The Youth Job Connection program serves youth aged 15 to 29 who experience barriers to employment by providing more intensive supports beyond traditional job search and placement opportunities.
From April 2016 to date we have worked with over 200 youth in the Youth Job Connection program. The participants were from all over the District’s of Muskoka and Almaguin. They attended two weeks of workshops and completed 60 hours of certification, knowledge-sharing, brainstorming and self-awareness training. Over the course of the two weeks, there were some hesitations, lots of laughter and some mindsets to overcome. The workshops included discussions around social skills, employment standards, employer expectations, creating and achieving goals, personal finance and budgeting, and Health and Safety education.
After the intensive pre-employment training, successful participants went on to a placement with local employers. The employers included trades, landscapers, building construction companies, retail establishments, restaurants, spas and pet groomers. Some of the participants also received additional certificates required for placements including Fall Arrest, Smart Serve Certification and Chainsaw Safety Training.
Many had multiple placements; some are still working with their original employers, others moved on to new opportunities while a few have returned to post-secondary working towards their long-term goals.
We are inspired by the youth who completed the program, challenging themselves, changing their employment opinions and committed to creating a long term employment plan.
