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.

Personalized Support

  • Dedicated staff available to help reduce, eliminate, or navigate barriers to employment
  • One-on-one appointments with Your Job Story staff to offer ongoing support
     

Paid Training (4 weeks)

  • Participants receive 4 weeks of paid training at minimum wage. 

    Training covers:
    • Free certifications, such as First Aid/CPR, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Service Excellence, and others relevant to your career goals.
    • Sessions on Financial Literacy, Job Search Skills, and Life Skills.
    • Opportunities to meet and network with local employers.
       

Transition to Employment (6 weeks)

  • 6 weeks of support, after training, to continue job searching & settle into employment

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.
  • Able to commit to full-time attendance for the entire 10-week program. This includes 30 hours per week of classes for the first 4 weeks, followed by at least 30 hours a week for 6 weeks of employment support.
  • 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

Your Job Story - Youth Employment Program

Email: yourjobstory@ymcaottawa.ca 
Phone: 613-698-0651