How do you get a job without experience and how do you get experience without a job?

Many young people find themselves in this dilemma – it happens when looking for that first part time job or taking that first step into a career.  

The Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work’s (CCRW) Youth Initiative program assists youth with disabilities in acquiring and enhancing the skill sets they need to find meaningful employment.

“Employers need to recognize that providing opportunities for youth is the best tool you can give them. Through internships, paid and unpaid work experiences, youth get a chance to develop and enhance their skill set in their chosen field,” said Georgia Whalen, CCRW’s Director, Information Technology and Standards and Executive Management, and team member of Youth Ability in Skilled Trades (YAST).  

Ms. Whalen manages YAST, a nationwide, two-year project that employs graduate youth with disabilities and provides young Canadians with information about disability and the skilled trades industry. The project offers experience in research, web development, community outreach, communications, activity planning, teamwork, leadership and public speaking.

Youth the Future, another CCRW employment program for youth with disabilities, prepares participants with the necessary skills to advance in their educational and career paths.

Norma Ricker, CCRW’s Director, Employment Partnerships, said “Youth the Future delivers pre-employment skills such as time management, job searching, resume development, presentation and communication skills, while also teaching students independent life skills. Once youth complete the program, they are ready to gain real work experience.”

Both employment programs help youth plan and prepare for their careers. This is just the first step - it’s up to employers to realize the importance of experience at the start of a young person’s career. 

Employing and giving youth with disabilities work experience is also a great way to get involved with the community and in creating a diverse workforce. Here are a few great ways to get involved:

1. Contact local high schools, colleges and universities to see how you can set up an internship program/partnership
2. Approach youth and disability organizations to tell them about the meaningful experiences your workplace can provide their participants
3. Offer your expertise as a mentor, or start a mentorship program at work to guide youth with disabilities into a career path

For more information about the YAST project, visit http://yast.workink.com
For more information about Youth the Future, visit www.crrw.org