YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SKILLS AND STRATEGY (YESS) PROGRAM The Youth Employment Skills and Strategy (YESS) Program is designed to help immigrants, visible minorities and Indigenous youth with or without disabilities overcome barriers to entering the Canadian workforce.

The YESS Program is an excellent first step toward meaningful employment for youth who are eager to gain practical work experience, explore career opportunities, develop workplace skills, and build confidence.

This job-connected training program provides 14 weeks of fully funded support, combining employability training, wraparound support, certifications, and paid work placement. Participants will develop real-world skills and connect with local employers across a variety of sectors, including construction, customer service, warehousing, technical trades, and other industries.

No previous work experience is required.

Program Eligibility To participate, applicants must:

- Be an immigrant, visible minority or Indigenous person
- An individual with or without a disability
- Be between 15 and 30 years of age
- Live in Red Deer or the surrounding communities
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

What We Provide

Participants receive

6 Weeks of Paid In-Class Employability Training

- 30 hours per week
- Workplace readiness and employability skills
- Resume and job-search support




- Career exploration and preparation

8 Weeks of Paid Job Placement

- Gain hands-on experience in a real workplace
- Develop industry-specific skills
- Build qualified networks and references
- Connect directly with local employers

Paid Certification Training

- First Aid
- Food Safety
- WHMIS
- Other relevant workplace certifications, where applicable

Wraparound Support

- Individualized employment support
- Workplace readiness assistance
- Support with barriers to employment through individualized counselling
- Tutoring Support to help with take home assignment
- Ongoing guidance throughout the program

Take the First Step Toward Your Career Whether you are looking for your first Canadian work experience, exploring a new career path, or building the skills and confidence needed to enter the workforce, the YESS Program can help you move forward.

Gain skills. Gain experience. Build your future.

Pay: $15.00 per hour

Application question(s)

- Are you between the age of 15-30?
- Have you been unemployed and not in school for the past 6 months?
- Are you Indigenous or a member of a visible minority group?
- Do you live in Red Deer or the surrounding area?
- Do you consider yourself a person living with some disability?

Work Location: In person

📌 Youth Employment Skills Trainee - Paid Program (Red Deer)
🏢 International Women of Purpose Cultural Association
📍 Red Deer