Feb. 10, 2022

Career Recharge has received $450,000 in additional funding from TD Bank Group to continue developing and delivering resources, workshops and activities that help individuals re-enter the workforce, advance in their field, change careers or start a new venture.

The program was established in 2019 thanks to a $1-million grant from the TD Ready Challenge. This recent investment will keep it running until at least 2024. 

“More than 14,000 individuals have engaged in Career Recharge’s interactive workshops,” said Chris Dudley, Seneca’s Director, Entrepreneurship. “With TD’s ongoing support, we will be able to deliver more of these much-needed supports and workshops to our students, alumni and community members.”

Farah Kurji is TD Bank Group’s Senior Manager, Philanthropy (Canada).

“We know that the career landscape in Canada is constantly evolving,” Ms. Kurji said. “Through the TD Ready Commitment, we are proud to continue supporting Seneca HELIX and the Career Recharge program, which helps re-skill mid-career professionals at risk of job loss due to disruptive changes in the labour market. Career Recharge enables participants to build skills in creative-thinking, problem-solving, communications and resiliency to help them thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.”

Mr. Dudley says Career Recharge has become a go-to program for people looking to expand their career options and their skillsets. Participants from more than 77 countries, including India, Australia, Brazil and England, have attended workshops.

“We are proud that 98 per cent of the participants would recommend the program to a friend or family member,” he added. “This is, in part, why we have seen a strong increase in engagement.”

In 2021, Career Recharge introduced certificates for those who attend all the workshops within a particular series. It also expanded its partnership with InStage — a virtual reality platform launched at HELIX — to help participants practise their interviewing and public speaking skills. In addition to the Career Recharge workshops held every other Tuesday, interactive InStage Live sessions are offered once a month.

With new funding secured, topics planned for 2022 will focus on improving in-demand career skills that Seneca has identified through research and surveying participants.

“It is critical that participants have a voice in determining the programming,” Mr. Dudley said. “Sessions in 2022 will include personal growth, diversity and inclusion, management skills, financial literacy and intrapreneurship.”

Career Recharge workshops are recorded and converted into interactive on-demand modules that can be viewed at any time.

“If you miss it, you can watch it later,” Mr. Dudley said. “All the workshops are there for everyone.”

However, the energy at a live session, Mr. Dudley says, is something that can’t be replaced.

“During online workshops, the chat just lights up,” he said. “Most of the participants have never met face-to-face, but they have found a meaningful virtual network through Career Recharge. They are helping each other. It’s a really beautiful thing.”