The Youth Job Connection program offers intensive, specialized support to youth between the ages of 15 and 29 who are not in work, school or training and who face complex and multiple barriers to employment including poverty, homelessness, and mental health issues.

Indigenous youth, recent immigrants, youth living with disabilities, youth who have limited work experience and youth who have low levels of education or literacy might also benefit from Youth Job Connection. 

Eligibility of participants

• Be between 15 to 29 years old
• Be a resident of Ontario and be eligible to work in Canada
• Be unemployed (not working AND be available to work)
• Not be participating in full time training (15 to 18 years old must be legally excused from attending high school)
• Be experiencing serious employment barriers

Participants must attend and participate to the two mandatory components:

Pre-employment services (paid workshops – minimum 60 hours – maximum 90 hours)

• Job Readiness Skills
• Career Development Exploration
• Personal Management
• Job Attainment Skills
• Employment Related Skills
• Job Maintenance and Career Advancement

Job matching (placements)

• Job placement service
• Job coaching support
• Job trials and other short term experiences
• Skill enhancement training – funding is available to support short-term, job-related training (Smart Serve, Food Handler certification, CPR, etc.)

The Youth Job Connection – Summer program is open to all eligible youth between the ages of 15 and 18, with a focus on those who are experiencing challenging life situations and could experience difficulties in finding a summer job.

The program provides information and job opportunities to help these young people make positive educational and career choices and thus maybe find their first formal job. These critical early exposures to the world of work can help them align their immediate education and career planning towards longer term, meaningful careers.

Eligibility of participants

• Be between 15 and 18 years old
• Be a resident of Ontario and be eligible to work in Canada
• Be unemployed (not working AND be available to work)
• Intending on returning to school after the program

The program is not meant for those who have already transitioned to post-secondary

Pre-employment services (paid workshops – minimum 20 hours – maximum 30 hours)

• Job Readiness Skills
• Career Development Exploration
• Personal Management
• Job Attainment Skills
• Employment Related Skills
• Job Maintenance and Career Advancement

Job matching (placements)

• Job placement service
• Job coaching support
• Job trials and other short term experiences
• Skill enhancement training – funding is available to support short-term, job-related training (Smart Serve, Food Handler certification, CPR, etc.)