At 19, Daxia was a part-time student who had previously volunteered in the community. Although she enjoyed her volunteer work, she was eager to transition into the professional workforce. Daxia recognized the importance of gaining meaningful work experience and knew she needed some support. When Daxia heard about the START program in October 2024, it felt like the perfect opportunity. Little did she know that the START program would enhance her employability and help her build strong connections with peers.  

Like many young adults, Kirin faced challenges while navigating the job market. During his early life, he lived in Istanbul, Beijing, and Warsaw, where his parents worked at international schools. After returning home to Canada to attend university, he settled in Victoria and set out to find a fulfilling job using the skills he gained from education and travel experience. However, as he began his job search, he quickly realized that the task would be much more challenging than anticipated.

When a local youth joined the START Youth Employment & Skills Strategy Program in July 2025, this participant admitted they were hesitant. “I was nervous. I didn’t want to come, but at the end of my first day, it wasn’t that bad,” they recalled. 

Over the six-week program, that initial uncertainty turned into a valuable learning experience—and even some lasting friendships. “I met a few people I’ll stay in touch with after the program,” they said. 

One of the biggest lessons was about courage. “I was willing to step out of my comfort zone and push myself beyond my norm. Even though it felt weird, I did it anyway. The core value I gained was more knowledge and focus.” 

The START program equipped the participant with tangible tools to prepare for the workforce. The participant received professional interview clothing and engaged in preparation activities that included practicing answers to common interview questions. They also developed a stronger resume and gained a deeper understanding of the importance of crafting a tailored cover letter. Additionally, the program encouraged reflection on personal strengths and core values, helping them present themself more effectively in the job market. 

“It gave me six weeks to work towards employment,” they explain. And that focus paid off—by the end of the program, they had secured a job with a local organization.  

For anyone thinking about joining START, their advice is simple but powerful: “Step outside your comfort zone and embrace another side of you.” 

With a love for the ocean, a passion for caring for pets, and an interest in pursuing an Early Learning and Care Assistant Certificate, this graduate is now stepping into a new chapter—equipped with confidence, skills, and a bright vision for the future. 

Aiden is a creative person with a passion for animals and plants. When they joined the START Youth Employment & Skills Strategy Program, their goal was clear—to gain practical skills to help them find meaningful work. 

“The START program helped me earn short-term certificates that can get me closer to a job,” Aiden explained. These certifications, combined with the program’s training, gave them a competitive edge. “I’ve gained valuable knowledge for potential jobs and a greater likelihood of getting hired.” 

For Aiden, industry-specific training was a game changer. “It helped me get the certificates I need to be job-ready,” they shared. 

With new credentials in hand and a strong foundation of workplace skills, Aiden is now ready to nurture their career just like they care for the plants and animals they love—patiently, purposefully, and with enthusiasm for growth. 

Gordon has always had a passion for both playing and watching sports. Like sports, Gordon knew they needed a strategy for their personal and career development. When they joined the START Youth Employment & Skills Strategy Program, they were seeking direction, motivation, and practical skills to help them advance their careers.  

“The START program motivated me to get my life in order,” Gordon shared. “I learned new work skills and how to enhance my resume to make it more professional.”  

Throughout the program, Gordon earned valuable certificates and developed crucial workplace abilities. “I gained certificates and communication skills that I practiced and refined through the program,” they explained.  

Now equipped with a stronger resume, recognized credentials, and the confidence to take on new challenges, Gordon is ready to enter the next phase of their career, bringing the same dedication and teamwork they demonstrate on the sports field to the workplace. 

Riley is a mother, an aspiring author, and a passionate humanitarian. To become an author, she understood that she needed motivation and support. That was why she decided to join the START Youth Employment & Skills Strategy Program.  

The program reignited her passion. “I feel more like myself again. The START facilitators helped me believe in myself and gave me the encouragement I needed to take off,” she shared.  

Along with renewed motivation, Riley gained a fresh perspective on work. “The thought, ‘it’s just a job; it’s not personal,’ kept bouncing around in my mind. The program helped me realize that work is just work—and that’s okay,” she explained.  

Her advice to others considering the START program is simple yet powerful: “Listen carefully to the lessons. Use this time to discover your passions and the true career path you’ll love.”  

Today, Riley is taking on small jobs to pay the bills while steadily making progress toward her ultimate goal of becoming a published author. “I know I’m on the right path now,” she says with confidence.  

With her passion and a clear direction in sight, Riley is demonstrating that it’s never too late to pursue a dream. 

This START participant is passionate about helping others, living a healthy life, and spending time in nature. When they joined the START Youth Employment & Skills Strategy Program, they discovered not only new skills but also a strong sense of community. 

“It was lovely to connect with others in similar age groups and at similar points in their journey,” they shared. “The program helped sharpen my tools and refresh my learning, while providing activities, certifications, and job skills to support different aspects of employment. It also helped me rebuild routines and habits that support my overall well-being.” 

One of the most valuable parts of the program was group interaction. “I had the opportunity to share and speak in front of others—something I hadn’t done since school. It was fun and engaging. We explored activities focused on mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being, and I learned what I’d like to add to my routines.” 

They also gained practical employment tools, including updated resume and cover letter skills. “The program met me where I was at. It’s where resilience and support come together,” they reflected. 

Today, they’ve taken the next step in their career, working in a position at a local organization as a Administration Assistant—and bringing with them the confidence, routines, and professional skills built during their START journey. 

Reilene has a passion for car photography and a desire to expand their skills in the creative field. Joining the START Youth Employment & Skills Strategy Program gave them new tools, fresh perspectives, and a boost in confidence. 

“The START program has brought me a lot of new skills, including earning valuable certificates,” Reilene shared. “There were a lot of fun and tricky challenges that made me think in new ways.” 

While the journey wasn’t always easy, Reilene showed resilience and determination. “Some days were hard, but I still made it through them,” they reflect. 

Their advice for future participants is simple yet powerful: “Keep an active and creative mind.” 

With new skills, fresh thinking, and a determined outlook, Reilene is ready to keep pushing forward in their creative career—and capture the next big opportunity through their lens. 

At just 19 years old, Dominic joined the START Youth Employment & Skills Strategy Program with one goal — to explore his passions and discover a meaningful career path.

Through the program, he gained hands-on experience, valuable skills, and multiple industry-recognized certifications. “It gave me confidence for getting into the workforce by getting new certificates,” Dominic shared.

While he’s still in the process of applying for jobs, Dominic now feels more prepared and optimistic about his next steps. His journey reflects the true purpose of START — helping young people build the confidence, skills, and direction they need to move forward in their careers.

Phan shared that the program helped them understand their own value and how to present themselves in ways that open more opportunities. It also gave them a clearer outline of the steps they should take to reach their long-term goals.

Torquel is an independent filmmaker with a clear dream to build his career in the film industry. As an Indigenous Valedictorian and film award winner, he brings passion, creativity, and a love for storytelling. He also proudly counts himself as a dedicated WWE fan, a source of inspiration for his drive and determination.

Through START, Torquel found something even more valuable than technical skills. He shared that getting to know unique people from different age groups helped him grow in ways he didn’t expect. Learning practical life skills and having the chance to meet Scott were highlights that shaped his experience.

What stood out most for Torquel were the tools that will support him well into the future. He explained that the resume development, certifications, and social-skills training were extremely helpful and will have a lasting impact on his life and career.