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When Eric* joined the YESS program through the YMCA of Cape Breton, he didn’t have a resume, a driver’s licence or reliable transportation. What he did have was determination – and a chance.
If this program had only been offered in a central hub, like so many others, he wouldn’t have been able to attend. But because we brought the program to his community, he could participate fully. That one decision to bring the program to the people instead of the other way around has shaped the success of YESS (Youth Employment Skills Strategy) ever since.
Across many rural areas, youth face an uphill battle: high unemployment, limited transit and few local job prospects. Meanwhile, employers talk about “work readiness,” often without realizing that readiness begins long before a job interview. It starts with access, confidence and connection.
The YESS program, which serves youth aged 15 to 30 who are unemployed or underemployed and facing barriers to employment, was created with that in mind. Rather than waiting for youth to come to us, I meet them where they are geographically, emotionally and developmentally and help them gain the skills, awareness and belief that they are capable of success.
Here are some key learnings that I’ve taken away after the first year of running this program in a rural area with high rates of youth unemployment.
Opening doors, not gatekeeping them
One of the first lessons I learned is that readiness can’t be screened for. You can’t exclude someone from a work readiness program because they’re not work ready – that’s exactly who needs it most.
Most participants find the program through self-referral, and those who do tend to be highly motivated. Still, the entry process is flexible. No resume? No problem. Initial contact often comes by email or text, whichever is most comfortable for the youth. This is followed by an in-person interview – often their first. Perfection isn’t expected; growth is.
Structured interview questions are just a guide. Often, the most revealing insights come from the organic conversations in between, when participants open up about their goals, fears and the support they need most.
This article is part of a themed CareerWise series exploring “Youth career readiness.” Read more:
- Youth career barriers post-pandemic – and where to go from here
- 5 AI tools for student career exploration
Building relationships beyond the classroom
Community visibility is essential, and a large part of our work. Before recruitment begins, I ensure YESS is known, trusted and connected to youth-serving organizations in the host community. This includes attending local events, joining committees and partnering with other youth-serving organizations/groups. These connections make collaboration natural: sharing referrals, resources and sometimes even work placements.
Dropping into a youth centre just to chat or answer questions helps put a face to the program and eases initial apprehension. Over time, these relationships have led to spontaneous generosity: clothing donations, hygiene kits, guest speakers and community tours. None of this would be possible without consistent outreach and connection between the program and the community.
Strong community relationships often allow us to secure program space at little or no cost. Sessions include lectures, online learning, independent work, workshops, and group discussions. And if the weather’s nice? We take learning outdoors. Picnic lunches, gardening or even a game of “job interview basketball” often spark some of our best conversations.
Adapting programs to cohort needs
Each YESS cohort is different, and that’s part of what makes this work meaningful. The core structure remains, but the “how” depends on the people in the room.
The first step is understanding learning styles. Some groups prefer independent online work; others thrive in hands-on or collaborative activities. Small group sizes allow me to adjust content as we go. Many participants struggled in traditional school settings because they were “lost in the shuffle.” In YESS, they are seen and taught in ways that fit them.
“Each YESS cohort is different, and that’s part of what makes this work meaningful. The core structure remains, but the “how” depends on the people in the room.”
Every week has a theme – teamwork, communication or financial literacy, to name a few –with activities built around it. By week two or three, participants attend external certifications such as First Aid, Food Handlers, WHMIS, and Occupational Health and Safety. Offsite training pushes them outside their comfort zones and builds confidence in new social situations.
Employer visits, including tours of large local production companies, give participants a clear picture of workplace expectations, roles and valued skills. Many have told me it’s the first time they could envision themselves in a professional setting or even realize what kind of jobs are out there.
Bringing the program to the communities that need it
Unlike many programs, YESS isn’t tied to a single location. Each cohort runs in a different community – often one that doesn’t usually have access to these opportunities.
Transportation is one of the largest barriers for youth in our region. Public transit is challenging as the area is widespread, and routes do not run often. Rather than asking participants to navigate it and potentially miss class time due to the schedules, I travel to them. Many have shared that if they had to commute, they simply couldn’t join. This flexibility is a major factor in the program’s success.
Community resource tours: Seeing what’s already there
A core element of YESS is the community resource tour. Instead of giving youth a list of phone numbers or websites, we take them to the actual places where help exists.
We visit libraries, youth centres, adult learning associations, food banks, soup kitchens, community service leagues and Free Marts (a local resource for interview clothing). Stops at government offices clarify which services are available and who to contact and take the intimidation out of walking through the doors alone.
Many participants are surprised by the support around them. These tours build practical knowledge and confidence, showing that readiness isn’t just skills – it’s knowing how and where to access help.
Life skills for real-world success
Employment skills are essential, but life skills sustain success.
A participant once admitted they hadn’t been wearing clean clothes because they’d never done laundry. With help from our host organization, that day became a mini lesson in independence. They learned how to do their own laundry and left feeling accomplished and proud of themselves.
Other lessons include meal planning on a budget, opening a bank account, reading a paystub and navigating financial resources. These may seem small, but they bridge the gap between feeling overwhelmed and feeling capable. Understanding a first paystub, for example, can make the difference between keeping a job or quitting out of frustration.
Reflection and monitoring
Progress isn’t graded – it’s reflected upon. Often by the end of the program, the participants have developed or improved skills that they didn’t even realize they had in the first place – this confidence in themselves is key and often the main thing they were lacking in the first place.
In week one, participants complete a “Looking Forward” activity to outline their goals. In the final week, they revisit these in “Looking Back.” The contrast often reveals remarkable growth that they didn’t even realize was happening.
Midway through, one-on-one check-ins discuss attendance, participation and skill development. During work placements, I stay connected through weekly texts and emails, giving participants room to settle while ensuring support is available. Employers provide feedback, and participants reflect weekly on challenges and accomplishments.
This light-touch monitoring fosters trust and independence, empowering youth to continue growing even after the program ends.
Redefining readiness
No two YESS groups are the same. Each cohort brings unique challenges, strengths and stories. But the goal remains: helping youth feel ready-for work, life and success.
For me, readiness isn’t a checklist of job skills. It’s about connection, confidence and community awareness. It’s knowing how and where to ask for help, problem-solve and seeing yourself as capable of growth.
Eric has now been working at a local restaurant for almost a year and is finally seeing himself as someone with potential. He is saving to return to school and hopes to someday become a teacher. His employers have given positive feedback and continue to support him on his path to success.
For anyone working with youth, especially in rural or remote communities, the message is simple: bring the program to them, not the other way around. When you meet youth where they are, you don’t just build readiness – you build hope.
*Name changed for privacy
