Youth Works (Pre-Employment Program)

CHILDREN’S AID FOUNDATION OF CANADA YOUTH WORKS PROGRAM  

LEAD SPONSORS: RBC Future Launch and funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program  

Program Description:   

Youth Works is a pre-employment development program that aims to help youth in and from care in their transition to independence. Youth Work’s has three integrated components:  

1. Employability Skills: Employment counselors will work with youth participants to prepare them for their employment path (preparing resumes, completing job applications, etc.) 

2. Internships and Job Placements: Youth who are job-ready will receive support with job searching and be referred to employers for meaningful work experience

3. Employment Training Supports: Youth who need credentials or training for entry-level jobs such as first aid and CPR, food handler’s certification, or a driver’s license to accept a job will be supported in accessing them  

What Will You Gain?  

Employability Skills – We will work with you individually or in groups to improve your employment-readiness skills, and can help you access career development and networking opportunities  

Internships and Job Placements – When you’re job-ready, we can help find employers who are looking for your skills  

Employment Training Supports – We can provide help accessing hands-on training and certification you need for your first job (eg. first aid and CPR, food handler’s certification, Smart Serve, etc)  

Are You Eligible to Participate in Youth Works?  

• You must be in and/or from permanent care  
• Be between the ages of 16 and 29 years old  
• You must have achieved one of the following - some high school, GED, high school diploma, some post-secondary school, post-secondary degree or diploma  
• You are ready for employment – criteria may include: being motivated to find and keep a job, having stable housing, mental health issues being treated, and willingness and commitment to follow through with training and job placement  
• Live in one of the following areas or surrounding areas:  

• Calgary, Alberta  
• Toronto/GTA, Ontario  
• Ottawa, Ontario  
• Richmond/Vancouver, British Columbia  
• Brandon, Manitoba  
• Fredericton/Saint John, New Brunswick  

Are You Interested in Participating?  

Please contact one of the following Youth Support Mentors in your Area.  

• In Calgary, contact Laura Schoenberg -  LSchoenberg@growwithtrellis.ca  or Kristin Fingas –  kfingas@growwithtrellis.ca  
• In Toronto/GTA, contact Asifa Malik – asmalik@torontocas.ca  
• In Ottawa, contact Mitra Zouhmand – mitra.zouhmand@casott.on.ca  
• In Richmond/Vancouver, contact Michelle Zhou – michelle.zhou@ccssociety.ca   
• In Brandon, contact Nicole Funk – youthemployment@cfswestern.mb.ca  
• In Fredericton or Saint John, contact Sue King – sking@partnersforyouth.ca