Training Opportunities for Youth

W.E.S.T is a program for youth, 16-29, who are having trouble securing and maintaining employment.

Referrals to the program are to be made by the individual.

This group-based program focuses on Indigenous and Immigrant youth who need support finding employment.

W.E.S.T is a 12-week program that consists of:

• A Paid, 4-week group-based employability skills training in class; and
• An 8-week paid internship.

With the support of a Case manager, individuals in this program will be hired into a community-based employment opportunity.  Employers are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 8 weeks of training.

The focus of the program is:

• Resume building
• Interviews
• Job search
• Researching a career
• Culture and Diversity Project

The class component also includes the opportunity to earn a Food Safe Certificate and CPR /First Aid.  Youth eligible for this program will receive minimum wage for the Group Based Employability Skills training (class component). Once participants have completed the class component, the Case Manager will support them in securing an employment opportunity and assist with attachment.

Minimum wage for Group Based Employability Skills training and Internship.

pictures of the W.E.S.T program coming soon

To find out more about W.E.S.T, or to register for our program, contact:

Work 2 It is an individualized program for high-risk youth, 16-29, that allows individuals the time required to reach their goals of entry into the workforce or return to school.

Referrals to the program are accepted by Probation Officers and Child and Family Service workers.

Individuals in the Work 2 It program will engage in the following:

• Cultural Activities, Ceremonies and Teachings;
• Life Skills; and
• Pre-employment skills.

Work 2 It is an individualized program that offers time to stabilize with the goal to go back to school or enter the work force. Participants enrolled in this program have the opportunity to work towards the New Directions social enterprise opportunities or work placements in the community.

Training allowance are available for the classroom portion and minimum wage for work placements.

To find out more about Work 2 It, or to register for our program, contact:

The Empower Project (TEP) is a 3-year pilot project developed for young women who:

• Are 12 – 17 years of age
• Have diagnoses resulting from pre-natal exposure (FAS, FASD, ARND)
• Are involved within the Justice system

Using an Indigenous lens and led by Indigenous staff members, The Empower Project will:

• Assist participants to develop and increase their awareness of the mental health issues that emerge from their prenatal exposure to alcohol and to become attached to primary Traditional and Western mental health providers.
• Increase participants’ social adaptive functional skills and increase their emotional and behavioral stability.
• Increase participants’ sexual and reproductive health and knowledge through learning about and practicing healthy relationships, healthy sexuality and pregnancy and attachment to primary medical care providers.

The Empower Project Activities:

• Comprehensive intake including biopsychosocial assessment
• Circle of Care consultation and case planning
• Late afternoon and evening programming (Tuesday – Saturday) utilizing a case manager and two mentors
• Focus on relationship building and attachment
• Regular and on-going cultural activities, including teachings from a Knowledge Keeper and participation in New Direction Opikihiwawin activities
• Off-site one-on-one, and small group activities with mentor
• Attachment of participant to primary medical and mental health providers

To find out more about The Empower Project, or to register for our program, contact: