Youth Employment Skills Program

Opportunity: Youth Participant (Paid)
Program: Youth Career Catalyst Program
Location: Preference for applicants located in or near BC. Other program offerings in Alberta and Ontario. Transportation provided from nearby large centre to program.

Outward Bound Canada is a non-profit that empowers youth to build resilience, develop social and emotional skills, and navigate stress and challenge, through outdoor experiential learning.

Our newest initiative, the Youth Career Catalyst program, is funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy. The goal of the program is to build a bridge to meaningful careers for youth who are not currently in education, employment or training. Through this program, we prepare individuals aged 18-30 for employment by combining training, mentorship and immersive outdoor experiences.

The program is made up of 3 distinct parts:

1. Mentorship and Career Coaching: Personalized and structured guidance to help navigate their career journey. Support begins one month before the in-person training and continues for three months afterward.
2. Paid In-Person Training: 26 days of immersive, engaging hands-on training, including an 8-day outdoor journey sea kayaking or coastal canoeing with 3 additional days of preparations in advance and 10 days of experiential learning workshops at an outdoor centre. In BC, this will take place from April 19 - May 14, 2026
3. Supported Work Experience: Job search support, career coaching, expedited interview opportunities, and employer wage funding for up to 14 weeks of paid work experience.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

This program is designed to support individuals facing unique challenges related to employment. We are looking for youth:

• Between 18 and 30 years of age at the start of the program
• Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection act with a work permit
• Not currently employed
• Not currently in school or a recognized training program or enrolled for next intake
• Not currently in an apprenticeship or intern role

We are prioritizing folks who are facing multiple barriers, including Indigenous and racialized youth, and 2SLGBTQ+ youth.

For the in-person component of the program, all gear, equipment, food, and accommodation, along with a training allowance and travel supported as needed is offered to remove financial barriers, ensuring accessibility for youth from diverse backgrounds and regions. This support lets participants focus fully on learning, gaining experience, and planning their futures without worrying about affordability.

Interested?

Join one of the Info Sessions we are hosting over the next few weeks to learn more! You can register here for one that fits your schedule. These are being held for anyone interested in learning more about our program, but are also a requirement for folks to attend prior to applying.

More details about the program:

The Youth Career Catalyst Program takes a holistic approach that goes beyond vocational training to address the root causes of unemployment, especially for vulnerable youth who are furthest from employment. Participants begin with time in nature to build resilience and confidence, continue with workshops and certifications that prepare them for real workplaces, and then transition into supported hire opportunities, which are paid, entry-level roles that include mentorship, coaching, and wraparound support. Through this immersive mix of outdoor learning, skills training, and paid work experience, the program helps youth not only prepare for their first job, but also build the confidence, networks, and tools they need for finding and maintaining employment.

For many participants, YCC marked the first time someone has truly invested in their potential. They describe growing in confidence, adaptability, and patience, and say the ongoing mentorship made them feel supported and seen:

Participant 1 said:

“The knowledge that I am more capable than I give myself credit for, and when it comes to it I can push myself harder than I thought. This can apply to anything else in my life as self-confidence is a must in many endeavors.”

Another participant shared:

“I feel like I grew a lot every day of this trip. These 24 days were both so long and so short. I think it's been a great experience. I made amazing new friends, learned my strengths within the workplace and community, fulfilled a leadership role, and came out feeling so much more ready and excited for the job horizons ahead.”

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.