Youth Employment
Empowering Youth
Finding your first job—or figuring out where to begin—can be challenging. At the YMCA, we believe every young person deserves the chance to build a strong foundation for their future. That’s why we offer a range of employment programs designed to support youth in developing job skills, gaining real-world experience, and confidently stepping into the workforce.
Whether you’re exploring career paths, re-entering the job market, or overcoming barriers to employment, our team is here to guide you with practical training, mentorship, and connections to meaningful opportunities.
Employment Opportunities
Youth Job Link
Getting a job is difficult without past work experience; Youth Job Link is designed to explore career opportunities that best suits your personality and abilities. If you’re currently in high school or post-secondary studies and you are looking for your first job, this program is for you.
Look forward to:
- Career exploration workshops to explore labour market trends and potential career paths
- Job search workshops to hone your employment skills and get hired
- Job matching to employment opportunities in your community
Youth Quest Program
Simcoe County
Our Youth Quest Program provides 6 weeks of paid pre-employment training, followed by 12 weeks of paid work experience. During the six-week pre-employment training, we provide individual and group based support that includes workshops that help participants build employability skills, job maintenance and life skills to help remove the barriers that have been preventing them from accessing the labour market. Upon completion of workshops, participants receive support with their job search experience to find job opportunities with an additional 12 weeks of tailored support to both participants and their employer to promote long-term success.
Funded by the Government of Canada to support those who are:
- Youth ages 15 to 30 years old, and not in school
- A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by the Immigration and Refugee
Protection Act - Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Able to work a full-time, 35-hour work week in Simcoe County
- Intermediate Level English/Canadian Language Benchmark 5-6
The program can provide the following supports:
- Transportation
- Access to virtual learning
- Training Stipend (equivalent to minimum wage during the 6-week training portion)
- Work-related material and supplies
- Employment
- Opportunities to network
- On-the-job supports for participants and employers
Program federally funded by Service Canada.
Still have questions? Feel free to contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable Youth Services Case Managers!