The START Program offers youth aged 15-30 an opportunity to develop employability skills. Participants earn a wage for 30 hours per week over 6 weeks, while gaining essential life and job skills. Additionally, there is potential for 8 weeks of work experience, supported by a wage subsidy.

ELIGIBILITY

  • 15-30 years of age
  • Actively looking for work
  • Not in full-time school (some exceptions apply)
  • Are a Canadian Citizen or Permanent resident

 

PROGRAM LENGTH

  • 6 weeks of In person facilitation
  • Possible access to Wage Subsidy for up to 8 weeks

LOCATION

Sooke
2096 Church Rd

Westshore
3179 Jacklin Rd #102

CONTACT

Email
START@worklink.bc.ca

Phone
250-478-9525 ext 266

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Paid Group Sessions

Earn $17.40/hour for 30 hours per week over 6 weeks of sessions, led by experienced facilitators. Develop essential skills and knowledge to thrive in your job search, while collaborating with your peers to build a strong foundation for your career.

Develop Essential Life & Employment Skills

Enhance employability with various workshops, resume writing, interview skills, and other essential life skills.

Gain Industry Certifications

Acquire industry-relevant certifications such as Occupational First-Aid Level 1, FoodSafe, Dogsafe, Fork-lift Training and many more.

Possible Work Experience

There is the potential for 8 weeks of valuable, hands-on work experience, supported by a wage subsidy to further professional development.

Empowering Connections

Work with our industry experts and connect with local employers.

Financial Assistance

Participants could have access to additional supports above and beyond the specified program resources.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING

PROGRAM IMPACT

Clients Served

Youth Employed

%

Rate of Employment for Participants

Cohorts over 4 years (2020-2024)

PROGRAM BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYERS

SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS

Give a presentation to START participants about your workplace and open positions. This will provide valuable insights into your company culture and allow you to connect directly with potential candidates, making your recruitment efforts more effective.

POST ON OUR JOB BOARD

Are you looking to hire? Post on our job board for free! Take it one step further and consider tailoring a job posting to a young job seeker. This will bring new perspectives to your team and foster a diverse workplace.

WAGE SUBSIDY PROGRAM

Employers who want to hire and train eligible young adults for long-term employment may qualify for the Wage Subsidy program. This program allows employers to receive up to 50% of their hire’s wages for up to 8 weeks.

Contact the START team today!

Email | START@worklink.bc.ca

Phone | 250-478-9525 ext 266