YOUTH EMPLOYMENT BOOTCAMP
Youth Employment Bootcamp is a PAID life skills and job-readiness program. We provide a toolbox full of resources and connections within your community to apply to your next career move. Whether you’re exploring the job market, need support in tailoring your resume or learning how to network, our coaches work with you at your pace.
Program Features:
- Three-month YMCA membership
- One-on-one support with a Case Manager
- Certifications (First Aid, FoodSafe and many others)
- Employment skills training (through workshops and one-on-one)
- Work-experience opportunities
- Living allowance where applicable -- get paid while you train
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THIS PROGRAM?
- Ages: 15 to 30
- Open to those eligible to work in Canada. You are a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, Confirmed Refugee, or CUATES
- Open to those who are unemployed or under-employed, working fewer than 20 hours per week
- Must not be a full-time student
WHAT SHOULD PARTICIPANTS EXPECT?
- Length: Determined based on participants' needs and goals.
- Time Commitment:
- Cohorts are one or four weeks in length. Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- 4-12-weeks of Quality Employment Opportunities
WHEN AND WHERE IS THE PROGRAM OFFERED?
- Program Type: In-Person and/or Online
- Locations:
- Vancouver
- Surrey
- Next Program Dates: July 2023 and October 2023
Success Story -- Meet John
Before John participated in the YEB program he had been unemployed for years and was very anxious, stressed, and depressed about his ability to find and sustain a job. He felt as he had no idea what he wanted to do or even if he had any skills or abilities for the labour market.
He stumbled upon the YMCA ad on craigslist for the YEB program while looking for job listings, and decided to give it a try. In the program, he was immediately met with a kind, accepting, and supportive environment. Given the fact that the program was titled as a “Bootcamp”, his expectation had been that of a tough and grueling program, so he was shocked at how nice everyone was and how the content and day-to-day discussions were presented in such an engaging and fun way. By the end of the program our group of participants had even all become friends.
Throughout the program John was payed a living wage, as he didn't have any access to income or income assistance at the time. He learned various knowledge and skills relating to the labour market. We took part in various workshops, such as Emergency First-Aid, Customer Service Basics, Public Speaking, and Mental Health First Aid. They also helped to connect him with a counsellor and financed his sessions, as he was struggling with issues in Mental Health and Problematic Substance Use. Whenever he was struggling with the program or even things outside of the program, his employment coach would also meet and work with him to find solutions that worked for him for any problems or concerns he was having.
John is now employed full-time in a job that he loves, working at a non-profit in Vancouver's DTES - helping others with similar lived experience like himself find meaningful work despite facing barriers to employment. John is incredibly grateful for everything the program taught and helped him with, as well as the endless support of the employment coaches, and he would recommend this program to any youth facing difficulties finding employment.
Become a Partner Employer!
Whether your business is growing, you are looking for a steady stream of qualified and trained employees or you are looking to inspire youth in the community, the YMCA’s employment programs have customized partnership solutions for you.
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