PAST EMPLOYERS

DiversiPro

Evergreen Brick Works

Hospice Associtation of Ontario

Globe and Mail

Justice for Youth and Children

Mandrake

Manpower

MCIS Language Services

NEXCareer

Plan Canada

Skills for Change

Warden Woods Community Centre

wwwork!


PAST MENTORS FROM

Adler Learning Centre

Business Coaches

Entrepreneurs

Ernst & Young

Globe and Mail

Investors Group

KPMG

Life Coaches

Macquarie Wealth Management

TD Canada Trust

TIFF

Toronto Fire Services




“The ladder of success is best climbed by stepping on the rungs of opportunity!” - Bethany Laurier, Opportunities Unlimited participant  


"Plan Canada has had the privilege of being chosen as an employer to participate in the OUL program for the last four years. We look to tap into a valuable pool of talented individuals, and the program offers just tha. The work experience portion allows the employer the chance to develop these young women with the hope of turning the experience into a more permanent work relationship.  Plan has done this with at least 50 percent of the participants.  The OUL program through YIM has proven to be a successful way to source entry level talent in a way that is beneficial for all involved. YIM provides continuous support throughout the program to both participants and employers as a partner and collaborator.   Plan Canada encourages employers to become a part of this meaningful and rewarding experience, which is changing the lives of young women through employment opportunities." - Debbie Singh, Director, Human Resources, Plan Canada, and OUL Employer

Opportunities Unlimited

OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED (Toronto only)        

Opportunities Unlimited™ is an innovative employability skills development program in Toronto for young women under the age of 30 with employment barriers.


It is a multi-tiered program with four key program components:

  • Employability skills training
  • A paid work placement
  • Professionally delivered workshops and training modules
  • Mentorship: the support of a mentor and peer-to-peer support

 

The program is 6 months in length with two phases and with only 12 of the most motivated moving onto Phase 2:

  • Phase 1:  Four week employability and life-skills training (15 participants)
  • Phase 2:  22 weeks of paid work placement, mentoring, workshops, peer support (12 participants)

 Mentorship is an important part of this program. Each participant is paired with a mentor who helps her cultivate her self-confidence and prepare to join the workforce. Participants are monitored and marked, asked for feedback and involved in activities that raise funds.

 

OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED AIMS TO HELP YOUNG WOMEN TO: 

  • overcome barriers to employment and transition effectively into the work place or return to school for additional education
  • develop a broad range of skills and knowledge
  • feel empowered towards making meaningful life and career choices
  • equip them with skills that will improve their employability and help them obtain full-time employment
  • connect with positive role models who serve as mentors providing encouragement and coaching during entire work placement period 

 

PARTICIPANT SELECTION CRITERIA (proof will be requested)

Program participants must be:

  • female
  • between the ages of 16-30
  • not working or going to school
  • not in receipt of Employment Insurance in the last two years
  • A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or granted Refugee Status in Canada
  • Legally entitled to work
  • Facing one or more of the following unemployment barriers: high school non-completion, language barriers, single parent, lack of social support, Aboriginal origin, visible or ethnic minority. 

 

HOW TO APPLY

Youth must apply to this program and be referred by a community agency partner. Selected applicants will be interviewed before the final group of participants are selected. Only 15 applicants will be accepted per program cycle.

For more information on this program, how to apply or how to become a MENTOR or EMPLOYER, please contact us at [email protected]

 

THE RESULTS

Since the program’s inception in 2004, we are proud to report a success rate of at least 84%, with some sessions reaching 100%. Success is achieved when participants obtain full time work or admission to full-time education or training within three months of program completion.

 

WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS AND PARTNERS SAY

" When I thought there was nowhere for me turn, no one for me to talk to, nothing going on for me in life, Youth in Motion showed me differently! I met people that changed me in many ways." -  Opportunities Unlimited Program alumna

 

“The ladder of success is best climbed by stepping on the rungs of opportunity!”  - Opportunities Unlimited Program alumna

 

“I would not have had this amazing opportunity if it weren’t for [Youth in Motion]. Thanks to you I’m on a different path in life. It was truly an honour to be a participant in this program…]”   - Opportunities Unlimited program alumna

 

"Plan Canada has had the privilege of being chosen as an employer to participate in the Opportunities Unlimited program for the last four years. We look to tap into a valuable pool of talented individuals, and the program offers just that. The work experience portion allows the employer the chance to develop these young women with the hope of turning the experience into a more permanent work relationship. Plan has done this with at least 50 percent of the participants. The Opportunities Unlimited program through Youth in Motion has proven to be a successful way to source entry level talent in a way that is beneficial for all involved. Youth in Motion provides continuous support throughout the program to both participants and employers as a partner and collaborator. Plan Canada encourages employers to become a part of this meaningful and rewarding experience, which is changing the lives of young women through employment opportunities." - Debbie Singh, Director, Human Resources, Plan Canada, and Opportunities Unlimited program work placement employer

“I just wanted to take a moment to let you know how your program has helped my youth improve her self-esteem and dream about future.  She has shared many great things about being involved with your program …- she was able to see herself in a different light - a positive one.   She felt 'understood' at your program and encouraged.  Thank you for offering such a valuable program for youth that need to feel they have a chance.  She and her supports have all noticed a great, positive change in her attitude and ability to dream BIG for her future!” – Program Community Partner

 

Youth in Motion™ is a federally registered charity dedicated to offering innovative programs for Canada's youth. Charitable registration number: 85733 8040 RR0001

 

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