Jan. 4, 2024

Seneca’s Career Recharge program has been so successful that TD Bank, a supporter since the job skills training pilot began in June 2019, recently renewed its commitment, ensuring that thousands of Seneca students, alumni and community members will continue to benefit.

More than 23,300 people have taken the free Career Recharge workshops, which help sharpen individuals’ workplace skills. TD’s additional commitment of a $495,000 grant will help fund the program through to November 2027.

Chris Dudley, Seneca’s Director, Entrepreneurship, who oversees the program is thrilled with its success and TD’s ongoing support.

“TD funding has allowed us to develop, deliver and grow the Career Recharge initiative,” he said.

The program, which is open to students, alumni and the public, has held more than 120 biweekly workshops, both in-person and online, covering everything from resume and cover letter writing to leadership skills. It also holds monthly simulations focused on communications.

It aims to help individuals enter and re-enter the workforce, advance in their field or pursue an entrepreneurial venture.

“Not only does Career Recharge provide experiential opportunities that train people to develop creative thinking and problem-solving abilities, but it also helps them navigate the ever-evolving job landscape,” Mr. Dudley said.

That’s why there are also workshops on topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and virtual presentation skills. In addition to that, Career Recharge hosts panels and interactive VR events. It’s also introduced digital badges, so participants can showcase credentials on platforms like LinkedIn.

TD has helped all along the way.

“Their support goes beyond funding, TD employees have supported the Career Recharge initiative as experts during InStage virtual reality sessions, panel members on our annual International Women’s Day event and judges at HELIX events,” Mr. Dudley said referring to Seneca’s innovation and entrepreneurship incubator.

Robyn Small, Senior Manager, Philanthropy, Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship, TD Bank Group, said the program is important because the nature of work is continually in flux with the growth of technology and automation.

“To help prepare people for the jobs of tomorrow, TD is proud to continue its support for initiatives like Seneca’s Career Recharge program, that help individuals build employable skills and support entrepreneurs,” Ms. Small said.

“Through the TD Ready Commitment, the bank’s corporate citizenship platform, we want to continue to help mid-career professionals navigate the ever-changing employment landscape and prepare for the economy of the future,” she said.

Participants such as Judy Hooper and Stephanie Gaddi said the programs have been really helpful.

“Career Recharge’s webinars are relevant, energizing and informative,” Ms. Hooper said. “It is wonderful to be a part of this great community, learning together.”

Ms. Gaddi agreed.

“As a newcomer in Canada, I was thrilled to find Career Recharge’s workshops,” said Ms. Gaddi, who took the equity, diversity and inclusion workshop series. “The experience was engaging, compelling and interactive.”

Mr. Dudley said the fact that participants return to take more workshops speaks to the success of the program, which has a recommendation rate of 98 per cent.

“TD recognizes the positive impact this initiative is having,” he said. “Renewing their funding to 2027 allows us to continue to develop relevant, essential skills programming to our students, alumni and community.”