YMCA of the National Capital Region
A diverse group of smiling young people sitting together outside. A diverse group of smiling young people sitting together outside.

Empowering youth to achieve their life and career goals.

Your Job Story is a 10-week program to help support and guide marginalized youth to overcome barriers to employment or pursuing life goals.

Participants receive hands-on career exploration opportunities and develop life and leadership skills. There is no cost to participate.

Earn while you learn! Participants will create their own Job Story in this unique program designed to give youth the tools to succeed in life and on the job, while earning minimum wage to participate in training.

  • Support with overcoming barriers to employment.
  • 4 weeks of paid training at minimum wage (hybrid of in-class and virtual).
  • Modules under the topics of: Life Skills, Employment Readiness, and Career Exploration.
  • Free certifications such as First Aid/CPR, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Service Excellence, etc.
  • Job shopping opportunities available prior to placement.
  • 1:1 appointments with a youth advisor and/or job developer.
  • 6 weeks paid work placement post-training.

Participants must be:

  • Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive).
  • A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
  • Legally entitled to work in Canada.
  • Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.
  • Committed to attend classes and a work placement on a full-time basis for 10 weeks total. Classes will be 30 hours per week for 4 weeks, and a minimum of 30 hours per week for the 6-week work placement.
  • Currently not employed or enrolled in full-time education.

Participants in receipt of EI are eligible to participate in the program; however, they must first consult with their Service Canada office before participating.

A teenage girl wearing a yellow t-shirt looks into the camera.

Helping Youth Build Brighter Futures

"The supports I received in the Y's Your Job Story Program helped me overcome barriers and build confidence to pursue better opportunities for myself." - Maya, Your Job Story Participant

Learn about Your Job Story from program coordinators and graduates:


Get in Touch

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email gabrielle.lallier@ymcaottawa.ca

*Please note: The next Your Job Story intake is scheduled for Fall 2024.

This project is funded by the Government of Canada