Opportunity for youth to learn employability skills in a new community

by Heidi Riley

Katimavik is a national non-profit organization that offers young people the opportunity to develop employability and life skills.

One program from Katimavik is FuturePerfect. “This program helps participants develop employability skills they can use for the rest of their lives,” says Marissa Ireland, Participant Recruitment Officer. “It is a great option for recent graduates to also add to their resumé and make some extra money.”

The three-month program places participants in a host community. Participants live in a Katimavik household with other participants from across Canada. “It is a great chance to travel and to meet a lot of fascinating people interested in developing employment skills.”

The program is for people who are 19 to 30 years old. They must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or have landed refugee status in Canada. There are no educational requirements to apply.

During the first week of the FuturePerfect program, participants attend workshops and career skills training, including:

• Workplace etiquette
• Budgeting and financial literacy
• Self-care and personal responsibility
• Demystifying career counsellors and employment centres
• Identity sensitivity
• Digital professionalism
• Truth and Reconciliation
• Project Management
• Tenant and landlord rights and obligations
• Speed networking and public speaking

In the second week, participants start their employment placement. Currently, placements are in Quebec City in the tourism sector. “There are many different opportunities. This is a place to get your foot in the door and build skills.

“It is totally fine if you don’t speak French. During the program, you will receive French lessons. Potentially, in cohorts following that of the January 2024, FuturePerfect will take place in a different location across Canada.”

Participants are paid at least minimum wage plus $2 per hour. Accommodation and travel expenses to and from the host community are covered by the program. Food, personal expenses, and cellphone costs are not covered.

At the end of the three-month program, participants who find an employment placement can continue on with that employer. In that case, the program will pay for three more weeks of accommodation. If you don’t stay with your employer, the cost of travelling back home is covered.

The program runs three times a year. The next cohort runs from January 7 to March 31, 2024. There are also cohorts that start each May and September.

How to apply

To apply, visit www.katimavik.org. Applications open three to four months before each cohort begins. After the online application is screened, a second screening by telephone will be set up. A staff member will go over the details of your application and ensure that you understand the program and that it is a good fit for both. Then you will receive an email letting you know if you have been accepted into the program or waitlisted.