Backgrounder:  Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) is a horizontal Government of Canada initiative delivered in collaboration with 12 federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations, including Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Through YESS, the Government of Canada helps young people, particularly those facing barriers to employment, get the information and gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to make a successful transition into the labour market. ESDC’s YESS program provides opportunities and supports, such as mentorship, access to computers and access to mental health supports, all aimed at helping youth facing barriers to enter the labour market.

The following projects are included in this announcement:

Organization: RIWC Regina Immigrant Women Centre
Title: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy to Advance Immigrant Youth (YES STAIY)
Description: The project will deliver activities and interventions to assist racialized youth facing barriers, leading them to permanent employment or to an educational program that will enhance their present and acquired skill sets to meet a future career objective.
Region: Western-Territories Region
Funding amount: $1,289,996
Target number of participants: 102 youth

Organization: CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals
Title: From NEET to EET 2.0
Description: The project will give participants the opportunity to benefit from tailored interventions, including employment skills training and a quality employment opportunity, which will enable them to develop their skills and employability in order to prepare them to obtain and keep employment.
Region: Ontario
Funding amount: $1,718,675
Target number of participants: 165 youth

Organization: Learning Disabilities Association of Toronto
Title: Youth H.I.R.E (Help in Reaching Employment)
Description: The project will give Black youth pre-employment and employment skills through paid curriculum training and onsite work placement. Youth will acquire free certifications, individualized training plans and guidance with building a skills portfolio which will aid in positive employment outcomes.
Region: Ontario
Funding amount: $2,001,938
Target number of participants: 190 youth

Organization: Frontlines
Title: Future Employment and Entrepreneurship Track (F.E.E.T.) program
Description: The program will deliver four weeks paid training where Black youth will learn about various careers. They will also learn resume writing and interview skills needed to meet the new job market. This leads into an eight-week paid placement with an employer.
Region: Ontario
Funding amount: $1,219,447
Target number of participants: 165 youth

Organization: Somali Canadian Education and Rural Development Organization
Title: Support All Youth Employability Skills (SAYES)
Description: The project will offer a multitude of interventions, activities and supports that address each of the participant’s individual needs, preparing them to obtain and keep employment.
Region: Western-Territories Region
Funding amount: $699,947
Target number of participants: 75 youth