Youth Employment and Leadership
The youth employment program, delivered by the Social Planning Council of Ottawa (SPCO), is designed to support youth facing barriers to employment. This program is focused on helping youth from diverse backgrounds, including visible minorities, new Canadians, youth with disabilities, and youth from low-income households, gain the skills, knowledge, and connections needed for a successful career.
Over the course of 16 weeks, selected participants will receive a 4-week paid training program to develop essential job skills. Following this, they’ll take part in a 12-week paid job placement that offers practical, real-world experience in their field of interest.
The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program
(YESS), funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is now open for applications. Please click HERE to see more information about the program.
To apply Click HERE.
For more information contact: [email protected]
The GenerationeXT Youth Economic Incubator provides peer-to-peer mentorship and bi-weekly meetups where youth support each other around job searching and small business development. Contact Stella Nakitende at [email protected] or [email protected]
Check out our youth social enterprises Hot Shoe Productions, offering high-quality video services at affordable prices for the non-profit sector; and TRAC (Technology, Research, and Communications), supporting non-profits and small businesses through research, marketing, communications and videography services.
Current programs
Our Employment Services
SPCO Community Outreach Program
We facilitate access to quality jobs, offer support in crafting resumes and cover letters, provide placement opportunities and training, extend career counseling and guidance, foster entrepreneurship and self-employment, and encourage mentorship and networking.
paid training
Soft Skills Training: For youths with limited education and English language experience.
Career Development Training:
For youths with post-secondary education who are under-employed.
Paid Job Placements
Youths placed in opportunities relative to skill set, and education level.
Follow-Ups
Youths receive ongoing support through regular meet-ups to receive mentorship, share skills acquired, and reflect on development.
For more information
Results
- 109 Received General Employment Support
- 89 Received Training and/or a Paid Work Placement
- 89% of youths who received paid training and paid work placements found employment, and
- 4.9% returned to school. 5.6% remain in training with SPCO.
