Serco, the international provider of critical government services has been awarded a five-year contract in Canada worth over £25 million (CAD$50 million) to deliver Alberta's employment services in the south of the province.
Beginning in July this year, Serco's EmployNext programme will support Albertan job seekers across Calgary and the surrounding communities to connect them with local employment opportunities and wraparound support, helping them to progress toward employment.
EmployNext will bring together local providers, community partners and employers. Individuals facing complex barriers to employment will be a focus.
The model being deployed builds on EmployNext's implementation experience in Ontario, where it is overseeing a similar scheme, across a number of regions.
Five resource centres will open in Calgary and will be accessible and well connected to public transport. EmployNext will bring together help to identify job seekers' next steps, provide personalised action plans, referrals, progress tracking, peer support and post placement follow-up.
This contract reinforces Serco's global expertise in helping people back to work. Since 2021, Serco has undertaken similar services in the UK where more than 36,000 people have secured employment following support provided by Serco.
Anthony Kirby, Serco Group Chief Executive said:
"Serco is a critical partner to governments around the world in strengthening how employment services are brought together, enabling individuals to access the support they need to find sustainable employment.
"This important contract with the government of Alberta builds upon our significant international expertise in providing innovative, effective support, guidance and resources for people who have faced barriers to finding work."