Finding employment as a younger individual can be difficult and frustrating, particularly if you don't know where to start. Most youth don't have the same advantage as adult workers in terms of employment experience and the development of their job skills. Despite this, there are opportunities for youth that will assist them in beginning their careers or even just looking for employment during breaks in their school schedule. There are government programs like the Youth Employment Strategy where the federal government has committed itself to support young people in addressing the obstacles in finding stable employment 

 

Programs 

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Youth Job Connect (YJC) 

This program will provide you with: 

  

• At least 60 hours paid training to prepare you for the workplace 

• A job for up to 6 months 

• Mentorship, Job Coaching and help with the transition from school to work, or to ongoing employment when the program ends 

  

You're eligible for this program if you meet these qualifications: 

  

• You are between 15-29 years old 

• You are currently unemployed 

• You are not currently attending full-time school or training 

• You are a resident of Ontario 

  

Consider this program if you are: 

  

• An indigenous youth 

• A recent immigrant 

• A young person living with a disability 

• A young person with limited work experience, or a low level of education 

 

Youth Job Connect Summer (YJCS) 

The benefits of YJCS are: 

  

• At least 20 hours of paid training 

• Hands-on practice with interviewing, cash handling, customer service, and more 

• Meet with local employers 

• Work with a job coach to get hired 

• Money provided for clothing, transportation, or training you need for work 

 

To be applicable for YJCS, you must be: 

  

• Between 15-18 years old 

• A resident of Ontario 

• A high school student either planning to stay in or return to school, or begin post-secondary education 

 

This program is able to help: 

  

• Indigenous youth 

• Recent immigrants 

• Young people living with disabilities 

• Young people with limited work experience, or a low level of education