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Connections Community Services

Employment Programs

Help youth between 16 – 29 with employment or educational goals.

Rather than offering direct financial assistance, our Employment Program sustainably supports individuals by empowering them to acquire the education and skills necessary for future stability, opportunities and success. We have various programs that target youth at different stages and from different backgrounds: Youth Works for Youth aged 16 – 29, Home Based Fund for those with urgent housing related needs, Career Hub and Employer’s Corner.

Our Philosophy

Our philosophy of care is based on the BC Early Learning Framework and endeavours to support each child in experiencing and achieving:

  • A sense of well-being and belonging.
  • Exploration and creativity.
  • Improvement in language skills and literacy.
  • Social responsibility and diversity inclusion.

Our employment programs

When youth “age out” of the child welfare system, it can be a stressful and disorienting time. They lose access to all supports, including a social worker and other resources. Youth Works is a pre-employment development program that aims to help youth in and from care in their transition to independence. This program is inclusive of individuals with varying education levels, from high school and GED to high school diploma and post-secondary education.

What does it cover?

  • Developing employability Skills: Employment counselors will work with youth participants to prepare them for their employment path, from preparing resumes to attaining employment-readiness skills.
  • Assist in seeking internships and job placements: Youth will receive support with job searching and be referred to employers for meaningful work experience.
  • Providing employment training: Support youth to access training or credentials for entry-level jobs such as first-aid and CPR certificates, food handler’s certification, getting a driver’s license.

Who is eligible?

  • Youth aged 16 – 29.
  • Must be Canadian citizen, permanent resident or a protected person under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
  • Must be legally entitled to work in Canada, meeting both federal and relevant provincial/ territorial legislation requirements.
  • Youth in or from permanent care, or those who have been in a youth agreement with a child welfare agency.
  • With a willingness and commitment to engagement with the program, including active participation in training, job placement or stability activities, showcasing motivation to find and retain employment.

Enquiry

Please email us at youthworks@ccssociety.ca for any enquiry.

In partnership with Children’s Aid Foundation and HSBC, we created the Home Base Fund to support young people who are in the process of leaving the care system with urgent housing related needs.

What does it cover?

  • The first or last month’s rent to help secure a safe and affordable home.
  • Utilities or bills.
  • Home essentials.
  • Moving fees and emergency storage until housing can be secured.


* For rent and utility related requests, you must provide a letter from the landlord confirming the rent amount or copy of the most recent bill that is being paid.

Who is eligible?

  • Youth aged 16 – 26 who demonstrates financial need for housing related expense(s) and all other funding options have been exhausted.
  • Providing a clear indication on how the individual will benefit from this grant and proper documentation as a proof for meeting eligibility requirements upon requests.
  • Sending a thank you letter for the grant upon successful application.

Our weekly workshop series at the Career Hub offers comprehensive support for job seekers, focusing on essential skills such as resume building, cover letter writing, interviewing techniques, and career exploration.

In Employers’ Corner, representatives from various industries will conduct presentations elucidating the pathways to enter their respective fields. They will outline minimum education and work requirements, providing valuable insights. Moreover, attendees might find opportunities for onsite recruitment during these events.

Let's hear what our client says...

The employment program helped me to begin building a professional network. I learned how to market myself, and I also learned that I have many transferrable skills. Learning how to conduct myself during an interview, as well, has been helpful. There staff were professional, organized, and easy to work with!
Job Option BC Client