Funding Available to Hire New Grads
As we face labour shortages and shift into a digitized economy, a new graduate with new energy and the most updated skills could be exactly what your organization needs to stay in motion.
For the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning (MCCL), tapping into young talent was a no-brainer.
They hired Katie Brogan, a graduate of Dalhousie’s Social Work program to collaborate with key partners and engage vulnerable youth in programs. Tucked in downtown Dartmouth, MCCL acts as a community hub for youth, and helps them reach their passion and purpose through the magic of the arts.
Hiring Katie was made easier with Graduate to Opportunity (GTO) which offsets the costs of hiring a recent post-secondary graduate for a full-time permanent job. All non-profits and registered charities in Nova Scotia are eligible for this funding.
“Grads like Katie bring energy and different perspectives that add value to all aspects of our organization,” says Heather MacDonald, Executive Director at MCCL. “With her as our outreach program manager we can further support youth in their own communities beyond our brick and mortar.”
GTO provides 25% of a grad’s first-year salary — 35% if the grad is from a recognized diverse background — and 12.5% of their second-year salary. It is a great way to save on costs and help retain young talent like Katie in Nova Scotia.
“Our work at MCCL expresses unwavering dedication to being completely youth-driven,” says Katie. “The community here that the youth create is uplifting and encouraging and fits hand in hand with my passion for social justice.”
“In the community sector we consistently fundraise for our programs and services,” says Heather. “It’s important for us to ensure we can provide on-going and consistent support to our community. The GTO wage subsidy gives us more time and capacity to further develop our operations and growth strategy as an organization.”
To date, more than 750 organizations like MCCL have hired more than 1,400 recent graduates across Nova Scotia using GTO funding. Complete applications are typically approved within three to five days.
Questions? Connect with Margaret directly at margaret.schwartz@novascotia.ca
