Empowering Black Futures: Your Pathway to Career Success
Youth Employment Skills Program
Join a transformative journey designed to uplift and empower young individuals by offering the tools and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
About the Youth Employment Skills Program
Our mission is to empower Black youth, newcomers, youth with disabilities, and NEET youth (Not in Education, Employment or Training) by providing essential skills training, access to quality employment opportunities, and personalized support. We aim to break down barriers and create pathways to success for marginalized communities across Canada.
How it Works:
- 9 weeks paid comprehensive training program to prepare to participate in the workforce
- 6 week quality employment opportunity
- Opportunities for mentorship and support
- 30 hours/week
Program Curriculum
Building Foundations
Workplace Communication Basics
- Practice respectful workplace dialogue, addressing cultural nuances.
- Recognize how implicit bias shapes professional interactions.
- Common workplace communication tools: Slack, Teams, Zoom, Google Chat.
- Activity: Role-play scenarios on addressing microaggressions and advocating for oneself.
Introduction to Professional Behavior and Expectations
- Define professionalism in diverse workplace settings.
- Discuss strategies for authenticity while meeting expectations.
- Activity: Create a “Professional Identity Map” to reflect on strengths, values, and goals.
Time Management and Collaboration
Time Management and Organizational Skills
- Prioritize tasks while balancing work, life, and community commitments.
- Explore time management techniques: Pomodoro, Time Blocking.
Common productivity tools: Google Calendar, Calendly, Outlook Calendar. - Activity: Plan a mock week balancing work and community initiatives.
Basics of Teamwork and Collaboration
- Build collaboration skills and navigate group dynamics.
- Explore common workplace collaboration tools: Asana, Monday.com, Google Docs.
- Activity: Organize a Black History Month event, focusing on teamwork and shared responsibilities.
Effective Communication
Verbal Communication and Presentation Skills
- Develop confidence in public speaking and storytelling.
- Learn how to pitch ideas effectively.
- Activity: Craft an elevator pitch and present a personal or community achievement.
Written Communication Essentials
- Master professional email etiquette and clarity in writing.
- Learn the importance of written advocacy in workplace settings.
- Activity: Respond to a workplace email addressing inclusivity concerns.
Navigating Workplace Dynamics
Body Language and Non-Verbal Cues
- Recognize cultural differences in non-verbal communication.
- Use body language to reinforce confidence and professionalism.
- Activity: Role-play workplace scenarios with a focus on non-verbal cues.
Conflict Resolution and Problem-Solving
- Learn strategies for handling workplace conflicts, including addressing inequities.
- Activity: Teams resolve a mock workplace conflict and propose solutions.
Digital Skills and Professionalism
Building Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn
- Create a compelling LinkedIn profile highlighting skills and achievements.
- Activity: Optimize LinkedIn profiles and create an introductory post.
AI Tools in the Workplace
- Learn how AI tools can enhance productivity (Jasper, Canva Magic Write, Notion AI, Otter.ai).
- Activity: Organize a mock corporate workshop using AI for planning and communication tasks.
Industry-Specific Preparation
CRM Technology
- Explore how CRM tools like Salesforce are used in various industries.
- Activity: Create and analyze a mock donor, patient, or client profile in Salesforce.
Balancing Full-Time Work with Side Hustles
- Identify side hustle opportunities and strategies for balance.
- Activity: Develop a “Balance Blueprint” for managing both work and entrepreneurship.
Employment Readiness
Resume and Cover Letter Writing
- Showcase accomplishments and skills in an effective resume.
- Activity: Tailor a resume to a specific job role and participate in peer review.
Interview Preparation
- Learn how to confidently address interview questions and overcome bias.
- Activity: Conduct mock interviews with structured feedback.
Workplace Rights and Financial Literacy
Understanding Workplace Rights and Responsibilities
- Learn about the hidden job market and recruiter expectations.
- Activity: Case study review on workplace rights and managing career progression.
Financial Literacy & Understanding Your Paycheque
- Learn budgeting basics, paycheck deductions, and long-term financial planning.
- Activity: Create a mock budget with future savings goals.
Navigating Performance Reviews and Promotions
- Understand performance reviews and negotiation strategies.
- Activity: Develop a “Career Advancement Worksheet” and practice a performance review conversation.
Mental Wellness and Resilience in Professional Spaces
- Learn strategies to manage stress and maintain focus.
- Activity: Create a personal “Resilience Plan” and participate in a guided mindfulness exercise.
Coming to a City Near You!
We are growing our program and plan to reach 6 key locations across Canada as well as some virtual locations country wide. Here are our main locations but don’t hesitate to apply if you are outside these regions!
- Brampton, ON
- Ottawa, ON
- Saskatoon, SK
- Edmonton, AB
- Calgary, AB
- Vancouver, BC
Why Apply?
- Skill Development: Enhance your employability with in-depth skills training.
- Real Work Experience: Gain hands-on experience with quality employment opportunities.
- Individualized Support: Receive personalized coaching, case management and more.
- Paid Opportunity: Earn while you learn! Participants will be paid throughout the entire duration of the program.
- Time Commitment: 30 hours per week for the full 9-week training and 6-week employment opportunity.
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Our Process
Step 1
Step 1: Apply – Submit your application to join our transformative program.
Step 2
Step 2: Attend Training – Engage in comprehensive skills training and mentorship.
Step 3
Step 3: Gain Employment – Secure meaningful employment opportunities and start your career journey.
Common Questions About Our Program
Find answers to your questions about eligibility, application deadlines, and more.
Who is eligible to apply for the program?
Our program is open to Black youth, newcomers, youth with disabilities, and NEET youth (Not in Education, Employment or Training), aged 15-30, who are facing barriers to employment. Certain partner programs might have additional or slightly different eligibility requirements, if you have any questions on eligibility please email us at yes@fbcfcn.ca
What is the deadline for applications?
What kind of support does the program offer?
Participants receive paid skills training, mentorship
Will I get paid?
Yes you will get paid for 30 hours/week at a rate TBD. Â
How long is the training program?
Where is the program available?
The program is available in several cities, including Brampton, Ottawa, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver. With our first cohort available across Canada in a virtual format.