AMDSB will no longer be the employment services provider in Huron County | Photo by B. Shakyaver
The Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) has announced its decision not to renew the contract with Employment Ontario for adult employment services beyond March 31, 2025. Consequently, the AMDSB Centre for Employment & Learning (CEL) will cease to be the provider of employment services for Huron County following a one-year transition period.
This move comes as a result of various factors, including escalating operating costs and a strategic realignment of resources to better focus on the core mission of supporting teaching and learning initiatives. However, the Adult Education services offered by CELs will continue to operate.
Katie Fox, Co-Executive Director for Community Living South Huron provided valuable insights into the implications of this transition for community agencies like hers – emphasizing the critical role employment services play in helping the communities that they serve.
Not only have they helped the people under their care, but Fox says that the Centre for Employment and Learnings has been a vital resource to them in the the recruitment of support workers.
Fox is hopeful that a new service provider will fill the gap that the termination of these services will leave | Photo by B. Shakyaver
Expressing concerns over the absence of a suitable replacement, Fox highlighted the challenges faced by agencies like Community Living South Huron, which may lack the expertise and resources to independently facilitate employment opportunities. She emphasized the importance of established relationships between employment facilitators and employers, which may not be easily replicated.
Fox expressed hope for a seamless transition to a new community group that can fill the gap.
Time will tell what agency steps in to fill the massive gap that the Centre for Employment and Learning will leave in the adult employment services sector, but one thing is for certain, their impact will be greatly missed by many in the community.
Written by: B. Shakyaver