Employment Programs at REST Centres

At REST Centres we have a variety of ways we support youth in our Employment Programs. In this article we will briefly discuss the resources available to our clients. Each of these programs provides our clients with the tools they need, and gives them experiences that are transferable to the workforce.?

REST Centres' employment programs have made a substantial impact in empowering youth by providing essential job training and support, evidenced by significant participation peaks throughout 2023 and 2024. With youth engagement reaching as high as 10 participants in June 2023 and surging to 14 in August 2024, REST has successfully mobilized homeless and at-risk Black youth toward building employability skills and securing job opportunities. These peaks align with our strategic efforts, such as seasonal initiatives and targeted outreach, demonstrating REST’s adaptive approach to meet youth where they are most likely to engage. By maintaining consistent program availability across 2023 and 2024, REST has not only facilitated sustainable skill development but has also created pathways for economic independence among vulnerable youth populations.?

Here is a breakdown of what each of our employment programs do:?

6 Week Employment Program??

Learning Outcomes:??

• Better understanding of career choices and pathways??

• Job search tools??

• Job preparation skills??

• Better understanding of Canada in the workplace??

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Program Outcomes:?

• Certificate of completion??

• Food Handlers course??

• Smart Serve??

• $200 for minimum attendance?

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In this program we serve 16 clients.?

4 Week Entrepreneurial Program??

Learning Outcomes:?

• In this business introduction program where youth receive training in marketing, finance, merchandising, administration, digital marketing, distribution and other key business skills???

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Program Outcomes:?

• Certificate of completion??

• $150 for minimum attendance??
• A chance to get funding for their proposal for their own business??

In this program we serve 12 clients.?

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1 Month Job & Work Trials??

Learning Outcomes:?

• Candidates are interviewed???
• Competent candidates are selected for work trial??
• Candidate then attends 2 Job ready workshops??

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During Work Trials:??

• Paid work experience??
• Shadowing industry experts??
• Workplace exposure and practice???

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Program Outcomes:?

• Certificate of completion??

• Vulnerable Sector certificate?

• Work experience??

• Job ready training??

• College and training guidance provided?

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Weekly Job Vacancies Email??

Learning Outcomes:?

• Weekly list of available part-time and full-time positions??

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Program Outcomes:?

• Clients are informed with job opportunities?

• Clients obtain a job?

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Training Opportunities Portal??

Program Outcomes:?

• Provide ongoing information about current training opportunities available for youth???

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Learning Outcomes:?

• Youth learn various skills that help make them become more employable??

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Deogratius Kityamuweesi a participant of the Employment Program said, “Since I am newcomer in Canada, this program was referred to me by my REST Centre’s case worker to make it easier for me during job search and interviews of which it did help me a lot.”?

Through this program the client has learned, self-expression, resume building and effective job searching.?

Kityamuweesi said, “The program has taught me to be confident and express myself during job search and interviews. I have learnt how to respond to interview questions during the program.”?

As you can see here at REST Centres we are actively taking the initiative to help our youth overcome barriers of employment. If you are interested in supporting us and our youth or learning more about our employment opportunities, please contact [email protected] or call 1-905-863-1118 and we’d be happy to connect with you. Remember an opportunity you provide for our youth may be THE opportunity that changes their life.?