Y Works (Windsor and London)
Skills building and employment support for youth and young adults.
Y Works is an employment program that assists youth and young adults ages 15-30 to overcome barriers of employment. Our program delivers a range of activities that help youth overcome barriers to employment and develop a broad range of skills and knowledge in order to participate in the current and future labour market. Over a 5-week period we provide individual and group-based support that include employability skills building workshops. Upon completion, we connect participants with a paid job opportunity or with appropriate courses and training opportunities in a field of their choice. For those entering the workforce, an additional 12 weeks for tailored support are provided to both participants and their employer to promote long-term success.
Program Structure:
Week 1-5
Group and individual based employment preparation assistance for 20 hours per week, wherein participants will be paid an allowance equivalent to the minimum wage per hour.
Week 6-17
Paid job opportunity with tailored supports provided to both participants and employer; or assistance with enrollment into academic/training course(s).
Offered Supports:
We tailor our supports specifically for your success which can include*:
- Transportation
- Child care
- Professional mental health support
- Living allowances
- Work-related material and supplies
- Completion bonus
- Employment and academic advice
- Interview preparation
- Networking
- On-the-job supports for participants and employers
*Supports vary based on program, approvals, and case-to-case basis.
Program Dates: Cohorts for 2025 starting in March, June and October
Contact Us
If you are interested in this program, please provide us with your basic information. A program representative will contact you within 48 hours.
General Inquires
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Y Works Program
382 Waterloo St, London, ON
519-667-3300 x 2038
yworks@swo.ymca.ca
London
Tess Corriveau
Program Lead - Y Works & Y Opportunities
(519) 667-3300 ext 2038
Email
Devin McLaughlin
Employment Specialist
(519) 667-3300 ext 2039
Email
Windsor
Ana Lucia Herrasti
Employment Specialist
(519) 667-3300 ext 2644
Email
Employers
If you are a community partner, organization, or employer that is interested in establishing a partnership with Y Works program, please click the 'Employer Form' below to fill out the inquiry form. Once completed please email this over to the Program Lead.