$6.8M ‘Guide’ program launches to boost Townships employment

The Townshippers’ Association officially unveiled its new “Guide” employment and workforce development program Feb. 20 at the QG de l’entrepreneuriat in Sherbrooke. Backed by $6.8 million in federal funding over five years through the Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities, the initiative is designed to improve access to employment services for English speakers in the region.

Guide will offer job-readiness support, skills development workshops, employer connections and coordinated community partnerships. Executive Director Denis Kotsoros described the program as a “profound change” for the organization, shifting it toward direct service delivery. Early demand has already been strong, with more than 100 participants registering during a soft launch period. The program aims to serve 1,800 people over five years while strengthening regional economic development.