What We Do
The Youth Skills Development Program’s objective is to empower youth at risk who are seeking employment but face barriers to workforce entry.
The program will provide youth with the necessary employability skills and work experience needed to make a successful transition to the work force. Youth will develop a broad range of skills, knowledge, and work experience. The program will offer a wide array of activities tailored to meet individual needs of each youth.
We understand that youth require 1:1 and group-based supports that are youth centred, engaging and meet the youth where they are at while building mental wellness for successful workforce access and maintenance.
Youth will develop tools and techniques to improve their mental health, build resiliency and self-esteem.
Who?
Youth ages 16 – 29 motivated to gain and maintain employment.
What?
- 6 weeks of group-based workshops focused on mental wellness, life skills and employment readiness
- 4 weeks of Active Pre – Job Training to prepare for the workforce
- 6 weeks of Employment / Job Placement / Maintenance support
Where?
YWCA St.Thomas-Elgin, 16 Mary St West, St.Thomas
When?
Monday – Thursday 9:30am – 12:30pm. There will be three sessions. Summer, Fall/Winter and Spring. NEXT SESSION: Oct 10 – Dec 15 with 6 weeks of job coaching following.
Why?
- Youth ages 16-21 can receive up to 2 high school credits upon program graduation through Thames Valley District School Board.
- Paid certifications.
- Employability Support Fund – each youth will be allocated funds for work related expenses.
- Learn life skills, mental health coping strategies, and employability skills.
- 1-1 individualized support with helping youth overcome barriers to employment, finding and maintaining a job.
- A safe space to build social and community connections.
Support Outside of the Program
Our Coordinators can also assist with 1-1 system navigation, miscellaneous referrals, apartment searching and life stability support.
Interested?
Please complete the referral form
Our coordinators will be in touch regarding an interview.
Have a question? Please contact one of our coordinators:
Greg Moore
519-631-9800 extension 232
cell 519-636-6915
email gmoore@ywcaste.ca
Holly Blair
519 – 631 -9800 extension 246
cell 437-236-1766
Email hblair@ywcaste.ca
Contributions have been provided by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Through this program, the YWCA has partnered with the Windsor Residence for Young Men (Life-skills curriculum), and the Thames Valley District School Board (potential of high-school credits).
