Future Ready Youth

At First Work, we understand that the journey from education to employment is a significant milestone for young people. And that journey typically isn’t straightforward. That’s why we’re proud to offer our school to work transition program to bridge the gap between classrooms and career planning.

Designed to empower students with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to succeed in the professional world with the support and guidance from Employment Professionals in our membership; First Work’s School to Work transition program bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Through a combination of tailored curriculum, hands-on experiences, and career guidance, students will be prepared for the challenges and opportunities they’ll encounter in the workforce.

About the Curriculum:

First Work’s School to Work transition program will contain scenario-based learning and workshops that will allow for one-on-one guidance, peer support, and collaboration.

The curriculum identifies three strands of knowledge and skills:

Strand A: Developing the skills, strategies, and habits needed to succeed. This will help youth overcome challenges when transitioning from school-to-work, learn to set goals and navigate commitments.

Strand B: Exploring and preparing for the world of work, in specific sectors facing labor shortages like construction, Agri-food, etc. Understanding skills mismatch, transferable skills, networking, and navigating different workplaces.

Strand C: Financial management and planning to meet post-secondary goals. Applying understanding of soft skills and technical knowledge to develop resumes that cater to jobs and future careers, as well as learn the importance of fiscal management, including budgeting, paying bills on time, and the value of using credit responsibly.

Market-informed Curriculum: Our program offers a curated curriculum blending traditional academic subjects with practical, career-focused modules to ensure students are well-rounded and ready to excel in any industry. The curriculum is further tailored to include local labour market information and considerations.

Career Counseling and Mentorship: Our dedicated team of career counselors offer a wealth of local employment knowledge and will work closely with students to help them identify their interests, strengths, and career goals. Through one-on-one guidance, mock interviews, and networking events, students will be empowered to make informed decisions about their future and navigate the job market with confidence.

Industry Partnerships: Our partnerships with leading employers and industry association experts ensures this program remains relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of the job market. Students will have the opportunity to gain insights into current trends, emerging technologies, and career pathways.

Enhancing Capacity: At the core of this initiative is the premise of leveraging existing expertise to enhance opportunities for Ontario’s young people. By utilizing Employment Service Practitioners, students have access to timely, relevant labour market information and guidance from experts in their community.

Benefits for Students:

  • Gain practical, hands-on experience in their chosen field
  • Develop essential skills for success in the workforce
  • Build confidence and professionalism
  • Expand their professional network
  • Explore potential career paths and make informed decisions about their future

The first pilot program, Future Ready Youth Hospitality Pilot, will take place in December 2024 and will include 15-30 Indigenous youth (ages 18-29) in the GTA and Durham Region. This pilot aims to provide tailored support and resources to Indigenous youth, empowering them to achieve their career aspirations in the hospitality sector.

After a week of School to Work pre-employment curriculum, youth will choose a hospitality stream training through HTA 75. The hospitality training streams include:

For more information, email aspire@firstwork.org

This pilot is sponsored by HTA 75

Partnerships

HTA 75 is an education and training centre committed to the future of a diverse and thriving hospitality industry, the long=term success of workers by providing innovative skill development and support services. At HTA 75, we empower communities by offering opportunities for growth and success in the hospitality industry and beyond. We bridge the gap between the demand for services and producing a skilled diverse workforce using innovative education and training solutions. Through specialized services and a network of industry partners, we envision fostering a growing, inclusive and resilient hospitality industry across Canada that benefits both employers and employees.

This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.