TORONTO — The Ontario government announced today it is investing $1 million through a partnership with web-based training specialist OWLware Limited to help more than 60 job seekers and workers with disabilities prepare for jobs in the digital and accessible media sector.
Through this partnership, the provincial government is extending an innovative SkillsAdvance Ontario training project, led by OWLware, in close collaboration with local employers in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, says the government’s press release.
Ontario is investing $1,060,760 over the next two years in the SkillsAdvance Ontario project, which was started in 2020 and has trained 37 people since then.
Participants will attend workshops from Mohawk College Enterprise and the Accessibility Professionals of Ontario and receive training in website accessibility, podcasting, editing, closed captioning, and graphic design. They will also participate in an experiential placement with the Disability Channel, where they will create digital content and convert it into accessible formats. In addition, they will receive job career planning and information on disability rights.
Mohawk is one of the few colleges or universities in North America with an accessible media production program.
OWLware will offer three training sessions, with cohorts beginning in August 2021, Winter 2022 and Summer 2022. After training is completed, participants will attend a two-week paid job placement provided by employers. An industry-recognized credential will be awarded upon completion of training, says the release.
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