By now you’ve probably heard all the bleak employment statistics…if you’re 15 to 24 years old, you’re two times more likely to be unemployed than someone 25 or older. Today’s economy is a hard place for young people to find and keep work. Competition is getting tougher as more highly qualified and experienced applicants apply and compete for entry-level positions.
So how can you stand out from the rest? How can you get the training and skills needed to get the job you so desperately want? Seeking the help of youth employment programs, like the ones offered through the YMCA of Greater Vancouver is a great place to start. Each year, the Y helps more than 70,000 youth and young adults get the training, skill development and coaching needed to secure employment.
Image: YMCA
How can they help you? Check out these five ways the Y can help you kick start your career:
1. Cover the costs to upgrade your skills and boost your resume.
Did someone say free training? The Y can help cover the costs of a wide variety of courses and certifications like First Aid, WHMIS, WorldHost, forklift certification, Building Services Worker accreditation and more.
2. Connect you directly with employers looking to hire.
Hello, networking opportunities! Sometimes the hardest part is just getting connected. The Y works with a vast network of employers and through these connections, they’ll help you get your foot in the door and gain access to hiring managers, HR departments and decision makers.
3. Get financial support while you wait for your first pay cheque.
Believe it or not, the Y can actually provide financial assistance to help you during your job search. Bus tickets, interview clothing, specialist equipment, they can help. They can also hook you up with a complimentary or discounted fitness membership, so you can kick-start a healthier you at the same time.
4. Receive support from a team who genuinely want to help you.
Whether you need a little support to spruce up your resume or you’re brand new to the job searching gig and have no idea where to start, the Y will work with you to make sure you get what you need from their programs. From filling you in on resources available to you or helping improve your interview skills, the Y is committed to helping you reach your employment goals.
5. Boost your confidence.
The Y doesn’t just get you ready through skills upgrading, training, coaching and employer networking—their programs help build the confidence and self-belief needed to carry you through from job seeker to shiny new employee. A gentle boost in confidence can go a long way.
Image: YMCA
Sound too good to be true? It’s actually not! Give it a shot. The Y is currently accepting applicants for programs starting this fall. If you’re between 15 and 30 years old, out of work and looking to land a job, connect with the Y to see how they can help. Know someone who could benefit? Spread the word! Visit the YMCA’s website for more information or email [email protected].
Remember…Colonel Sanders’ famous secret chicken recipe was rejected 1,009 times before a restaurant accepted it, Stephen King was rejected 30 times before his iconic thriller Carrie was finally published and Oprah Winfrey was fired from an early job as a TV reporter. Sometimes we all need a bit of help to launch our careers.
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