Youth Employment and Training Opportunities

The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick and the Department of Post-Secondary Education Training and Labour have partnered to help develop the talent pipeline and support the leaders of tomorrow in Southwestern New Brunswick through a youth employability program - Y IGNITE.

What is Y IGNITE?

Y IGNITE is a curriculum-based employment program that will provide youth with the opportunity to learn transferrable skills, gain valuable work experience and build their professional network.

The Y IGNITE program is made up of 3 different parts:

• Employment Workshops: Program participants will spend eight weeks in the employment workshops facilitated by the Youth Employment Coordinator and Workplace Essential Skills program officer from the funder. Workshops will focus on computer skills, goal setting, communication skills, job search, resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, professional writing, time management, and other general leadership and employment training topics.
• Job Placement: Each program participant will spend eight weeks in job placement in a department of the YMCA to allow them to explore their career and provide a headstart. Potential placements include working in Child Care, Facilities, Outdoor Education and Camping, Membership, Administration, Fitness and Recreation or Newcomer Connections.
• Employment Action Plan: Each program participant will talk with their employment counsellor to set up an employment action plan before and during the program. The counsellor will provide program participants with guidance and career advice through the meetings.

The next Y IGNITE cohort begins this summer and runs for 16 weeks. This cohort will be for youth who are not currently attending full-time education. Participants must be available to work full-time hours throughout the program.

The Opportunity

As part of the Y Ignite program, we are looking for eight youths to join one of the following departments as part of their job placement:

• Child Care and After School: The YMCA offers Child Care and After School programs at many locations throughout Saint John. You will play an essential role in children's learning and growth, including physical and social development, in a safe and child-centred environment.
• Facilities: The YMCA houses our programs in several facilities in Saint John. You will be responsible for performing upkeep tasks and ensuring facilities are tidy and functional.
• Membership Services: The Membership team is our first point of contact for members and visitors. You will deliver high-quality experiences to members and potential members by being an information source about the programs and services the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick offers.
• Recreation: The Recreation team delivers programming designed to cater to the physical, mental, and social health of individuals of all ages, including children, youth, and older adults. You will ensure an enjoyable, safe and inclusive environment for participants of various skills and abilities.
• Fitness: The Fitness Team plays an essential role in development of YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick members in personal learning and growth, including physical and social development. Instruct groups and individuals in fitness activities and programming. Circulate through the centre, initiating conversation, assisting members with exercise technique and provide lifestyle awareness information to those members that are interested.
• Newcomer Connections: Y Newcomer Connections is a leading immigrant settlement centre focused on creating connections that will transform our community into a lasting, healthy home for immigrants from around the world and from all walks of life. You will assist our Newcomer Connections team in program support, administrative tasks and creating a warm environment for newcomers
• Administrative Assistant and Marketing Support: Our Administration team is looking for an assistant to help with tasks in Fund Development, Volunteer Management, and Marketing. This position is perfect for youth interested in gaining experience in Administration.

In your application, please be sure to highlight the top 2 departments you would like to be placed in.

Requirements

• Employment is contingent on having a clean Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search along with clearance from the Department of Social Development.

What We Offer

• YMCA membership
• Opportunities for career growth
• Paid job-related certifications (i.e. First Aid/CPR)

We ask qualified applicants to submit their cover letter and resume by May 5th, 2024. The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick appreciates the interest of all applicants. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.