A new program launched by a Burnaby non-profit will help youth with disabilities find employment.
The Neil Square Society says it's hoping to help 120 youth between now and March 2028 through its inaugural Empower3D initiative.
In fact, the society has officially started its national roll-out of the employment program for youth with disabilities, which includes 10 cohorts.
The program will offer support in overcoming barriers to employment through skill development including wrap-around supports and work experience opportunities, comprehensive curriculum and learning modules focused on personal development, professional development and employment skills development, opportunities for participants to visit various worksites and gain firsthand exposure to potential career paths within the manufacturing sector and work experience placements related to the interests and pursuits of youth that provide:
- Meaningful opportunities for youth participants
- Wages above the minimum wage
- Support for participants to transition into the workforce
- Wage subsidies to support the hiring of program participants
Qualifications for the program include:
- Between 16 and 30 years of age (inclusive)
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations
- Have a self-declared disability
- Looking to pursue a career path within the manufacturing sector
