A pilot program designed to help students transition from school to the workforce was recently launched by the Toronto Financial Services Alliance (TFSA). 

Over the course of three years, the program is expected to create 10,000 work-integrated opportunities for students, according to a press release.

The ASPIRE program is coordinated between the TFSA, financial services employers and seven colleges and universities in Ontario. 

TFSA president and CEO Janet Ecker said the program will help fill a void between the job market in the financial services field and qualified graduates.

“As the financial services sector continues to reinvent itself in response to dramatic technological disruption, our employer members are telling us that there is an increasing number of new positions waiting to be filled,” Ecker said in the release.

“At the same time, our academic members tell us that bright, highly skilled graduates are finding it hard to find jobs. It’s our job to help bridge the gap,” Ecker said. “ASPIRE can do that by giving students opportunities to become more work-ready through actual hands-on experience.”

Financial sector businesses agree the new program could make significant strides in enhancing skills training for students.

“Blending higher education and practical work experience prepares the next generation and accelerates career growth,” Mona Malone, chief talent and learning officer with BMO Financial Group, said in the release. “Students are exposed to new ideas and job opportunities and companies gain new thinking and talent.”