WorkLink Employment Society - START (Skills Training & Readiness for Tomorrow) Presentation

Why Youth Need Our Help

• Unemployment among youth aged 15–24 is 13.7%, compared to 5.7% for core-age workers (25–55).

• Only 59.9% of youth are employed or actively seeking work, compared to 88.9% of core-age workers.

• 8%
  More Unemployed

• 29%
  Less Participation

WorkLink at a Glance

• Registered charity providing government-funded employment services since 1978
• Proudly serving Westshore, Sooke, and Port Renfrew
• Driving economic development in Port Renfrew since 2019
• Regional leader in employment and workforce development

Youth Support

This program supports youth aged 15–30 in gaining certifications, building strong resumes and cover letters, and developing the skills needed to find and keep a job.

What Youth Gain

• Work Experience
  Eight weeks of work experience and possible access to a wage subsidy

• Skills Training
  Six weeks of in-person training focused on job-ready skills and life skills development.

• Paid Learning
  Paid minimum wage for 30 hours a week for six weeks

• Employer Connections
  Networking opportunities with employers and industry insights.

• Additional Supports
  Supports, including clothing and transportation costs for interviews.

• Training & Certifications
  Industry-aligned certifications and training that meet emerging needs.

What Youth Gain — Building Job-Ready Skills

BUILDING JOB-READY SKILLS IN

• Communication
• Financial Literacy
• Animal Care
• Workplace Conduct
• First Aid
• Social Service
• Conflict Resolution
• Mental Wellness
• Job Search & Networking
• Customer Service
• Food Service & Safety
• Public Speaking & Interviews

Eligibility

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

Our Impact (between 2015 - 2026)

• 570 — youth have accessed START
• 57 — Cohorts have taken place
• 416 — 400 HAVE MOVED INTO EMPLOYMENT OR SELF-EMPLOYMENT

Success Stories

• “More than anything, the START Program offered me valuable perspectives and ways I could think more introspectively. You can’t solve a problem until you’ve identified it, and I truly really value the emphasis that was put on self-exploration in the program.”
  Isaac

• “The program prepared me for the workforce in so many ways: resume building, interview skills, and giving me the belief that I could chase the career I’ve always wanted. I couldn’t be more thankful.”
  Ryen

• “I appreciated the community of support I gained from START, which I lacked for the past six years. It has allowed me to build the confidence to re-enter the workforce”
  Christina

• “It built my confidence and pushed me to do the things I love. (It) also taught me to believe in myself.”
  Pauline

Contact Us

Westshore Centre
#202 – 3179 Jacklin Rd

Sooke Centre
2096 Church Road

Email: START@worklink.bc.ca

Phone: 250-478-9525 ext 266

Website: worklink.bc.ca/start-program