Pathways to Employment 2.0
Connecting Youth Job Seekers to Local Employers
CDC staff is excited to announce the return of its beloved Youth Employment Program, Pathways to Employment (PTE). This project has been in the capable hands of CDC staff since its conception in 2016. It has grown from serving a small group of 8 youth in year 1 to placing 109 youth with local employers from March of 2020 to March of 2024. PTE has not only survived the global pandemic, but also the many highs and lows of the changing economic landscape. It is a program that has passed the test of time, evolving and growing into a more polished and successful program year after year. Please join us in welcoming the newest version of the Youth Employment & Skills Strategy funding initiative, PTE 2.0.
Is this program for you? Let’s hear from some past youth/employers…
One of the best features of the Pathways to Employment program is that it’s not a ‘one size fits all’ program. It is fluid, benefiting different youth in different ways. It will be what YOU need it to be. It will provide the supports and services that YOU require to be successful. And YOU will gain the most from it, if YOU devote time, effort, and have an open mind to endless possibilities.
Youth served by this project come from a variety of backgrounds, with distinct experiences, education, and knowledge. Some are recent post-secondary graduates, with extensive qualifications and certifications, while others are highly skilled in a specific area. This program will function as an outlet for some, as they explore their intended career path, while others use it as a stepping-stone, building a foundation to help them reach a specific personal and/or professional goal.
Youth who have been involved in past PTE projects are largely unrecognizable upon project completion. They transform into confident, self-assured young adults, with many also developing a more positive outlook on life in general. Through one-on-one employment coaching, expert mentorship, and carefully tailored job-readiness training, CDC Project Staff assist youth to not only secure meaningful employment but also develop a healthy mind-set about work. As shown by the youth/employer testimonials below, being a part of this program is an extremely worthwhile experience.
Youth, Alissa P. (FabStyle Hair Design) “I found it…everything I had been looking for…”
“I moved to Orillia in 2022. After being at my old job for four years I was very nervous about starting at a new place of employment. After living in Orillia for eight months, I finally found a salon that was everything I had been looking for. I have been a hairstylist with FabStyle Hair Design for several months now and feel confident in my skills and creative ability. I am extremely thankful for the support received from Emily (Owner of FabStyle), my co-workers, and clients. I highly recommend the CDC’s Pathways to Employment Program. Katie has helped me to succeed in so many ways, always there to provide support and guidance when I needed it. The PTE program is so incredible!”
Youth, Emily R. (Lakehead University) “You are made of wonderful…!”
“Katie, thank you so much for all of your support, kind words, and guidance throughout this process. You have made my career dreams come true! I cannot thank you enough! The work you do and how you do it with such positivity and grace is so incredibly valuable. I sincerely hope our paths cross again in the near future. You are made of wonderful!”
Employer, John Purkiss (Orillia Drywall) “Thank you Pathways to Employment!”
“Since Maurice Purkiss brought the drywall trade to Orillia in the early 1960’s it has grown, in three generations, to become a company of dynamic highly polished skilled trades men and women in an ever increasingly demanding interior finishing trade, serving Simcoe County and Muskoka. Mario joined this group, receiving training on site with the pros, as well as in class safety compliance for the job site, amongst this remarkable team. Welcome Mario! Thank you, Pathways to Employment!
The Program
PTE 2.0 is designed to serve youth who experience barriers to employment, helping them to gain the job-related skills and work experience they need to be successful in today’s challenging labour market.
Who is Eligible
Youth must meet the following criteria to be considered for the program:
- Between the ages of 15 and 30
- Live in Orillia or surrounding township
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations
- Self-identified barrier to employment
- Able to work an average of 32 hours per week
- Not enrolled in/attending full-time school
What constitutes a barrier to employment
PTE 2.0 has been uniquely tailored to assist individuals who may encounter challenges on their path to employment due to one or more barriers noted below (note this list is not exhaustive):
- Mental health
- Learning disability
- Physical restrictions or limitations
- Live in or come from a low-income household
- Homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless
- Highschool non-completion
- Live in a rural/remote area
- Member of a racialized group
- Indigenous youth
- Recent immigrant and/or refugee
- Member of the 2SLGTBQIA+ community
- Affected by substance abuse
- Currently in, coming out of, or was involved in the justice system
- Individual is either in or leaving care of the child welfare system
- Involuntary NEET for at least 6 months (not in education employment or training)
- Living with family care responsibilities
- Living with low levels of literacy or numeracy
Program Components
Youth will receive complimentary employment coaching, one-on-one support, and comprehensive job readiness training to assist them on their path to securing paid employment.
More specifically, youth will have access to:
- Paid pre-employment job readiness training
- Skill enhancement certification opportunities
- Expert career advice and job search assistance
- Interview preparation exercises
- Needs assessment and support plan creation
- Job retention support and ongoing mentorship
- Referrals to community supports/services
Benefits for Employers
Next steps for those interested in PTE 2.0
PTE 2.0 is a competitive program, and while intake is ongoing, space is limited.
Please contact Katie Maracle, Project Officer, for more information, right away. Let Katie help you find the job that is right for you!
Email: kmaracle@orilliacdc.com
Phone: 705.325.4903 x. 107
Website: https://www.orilliacdc.com/pathways-to-employment/