Nurturing Futures For Youth (NFY)

Our mission is to empower youth facing barriers to employment—including Black youth, newcomers, Indigenous youth, youth with disabilities, and NEET youth (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

 

6

Core Programs

15-30

Age Range

5

Support Services

Possibilities

About Nurturing Futures For Youth

The NFY project is specifically designed to serve youth who face significant barriers to employment, including those furthest from the employment market. We recognize and address the complex, interrelated challenges these youth encounter, empowering them to overcome barriers and achieve meaningful participation in the labour market.

Our comprehensive approach helps youth gain the skills, tools, information, and work experience needed to transition into the labour market or return to education.

Through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) Program, we provide skills training, mentorship, paid work opportunities, and individualized support. At PUYON Global, we’re committed to breaking barriers and creating pathways to success across Canada.

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How it Works:

6 weeks paid comprehensive training program to prepare to participate in the workforce

12 week quality employment opportunity

Opportunities for mentorship and support

30 hours/week

Why Apply

  1. Skill Development: Enhance your employability with in-depth skills training.
  2. Real Work Experience: Gain hands-on experience with quality employment opportunities.
  3. Individualized Support: Receive personalized coaching, case management and more.
  4. Paid Opportunity: Earn while you learn! Participants will be paid throughout the entire duration of the program.
  5. Time Commitment: 30 hours per week for the full 6-week training and 12-week employment opportunity.

Program Curriculum

Workplace Communication Basics

  • Practice respectful workplace dialogue, addressing cultural nuances.
  • Recognize how implicit bias shapes professional interactions.
  • Common workplace communication tools: Slack, Teams, Zoom, Google Chat.
  • Activity: Role-play scenarios on addressing microaggressions and advocating for oneself.

Introduction to Professional Behavior and Expectations

  • Define professionalism in diverse workplace settings.
  • Discuss strategies for authenticity while meeting expectations.
  • Activity: Create a “Professional Identity Map” to reflect on strengths, values, and goals.

The Maxwell Method – DISC STYLES OF COMMUNICATION: Learn about your communication/learning style.

Verbal Communication and Presentation Skills

  • Develop confidence in public speaking and storytelling.
  • Learn how to pitch ideas effectively.
  • Activity: Craft an elevator pitch and present a personal or community achievement.

Written Communication Essentials

  • Master professional email etiquette and clarity in writing.
  • Learn the importance of written advocacy in workplace settings.
  • Activity: Respond to a workplace email addressing inclusivity concerns.

Body Language and Non-Verbal Cues

  • Recognize cultural differences in non-verbal communication.
  • Use body language to reinforce confidence and professionalism.
  • Activity: Role-play workplace scenarios with a focus on non-verbal cues.

Conflict Resolution and Problem-Solving

  • Learn strategies for handling workplace conflicts, including addressing inequities.
  • Activity: Teams resolve a mock workplace conflict and propose solutions.

Building Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn

  • Create a compelling LinkedIn profile highlighting skills and achievements.
  • Activity: Optimize LinkedIn profiles and create an introductory post.

AI Tools in the Workplace

  • Learn how AI tools can enhance productivity (Jasper, Canva Magic Write, Notion AI, Otter.ai).
  • Activity: Organize a mock corporate workshop using AI for planning and communication tasks.

CRM Technology

  • Explore how CRM tools like Salesforce are used in various industries.
  • Activity: Create and analyze a mock donor, patient, or client profile in Salesforce.

Balancing Full-Time Work with Side Hustles

  • Identify side hustle opportunities and strategies for balance.
  • Activity: Develop a “Balance Blueprint” for managing both work and entrepreneurship.

Resume and Cover Letter Writing

  • Showcase accomplishments and skills in an effective resume.
  • Activity: Tailor a resume to a specific job role and participate in peer review.

Interview Preparation

  • Learn how to confidently address interview questions and overcome bias.
  • Activity: Conduct mock interviews with structured feedback.

Understanding Workplace Rights and Responsibilities

  • Learn about the hidden job market and recruiter expectations.
  • Activity: Case study review on workplace rights and managing career progression.

Financial Literacy & Understanding Your Paycheque

  • Learn budgeting basics, paycheck deductions, and long-term financial planning.
  • Activity: Create a mock budget with future savings goals.

Navigating Performance Reviews and Promotions

  • Understand performance reviews and negotiation strategies.
  • Activity: Develop a “Career Advancement Worksheet” and practice a performance review conversation.

Mental Wellness and Resilience in Professional Spaces

  • Learn strategies to manage stress and maintain focus.
  • Activity: Create a personal “Resilience Plan” and participate in a guided mindfulness exercise.

Comprehensive Support Services

We provide individualized wrap-around supports that directly respond to the unique needs of each youth participant

Mentoring & Coaching

Personalized guidance from experienced mentors to help set and achieve career and personal goals

Mentoring Health Support

Counseling services, stress management resources, and specialized referrals when needed

Post-Employment Support

Continued assistance after securing employment to ensure successful transition and ongoing success

Ongoing Access

Continuous support throughout the entire project duration and beyond

Accomodations

Inclusive environment with adjustments for youth with disabilities or specific needs

Common Questions About Our Program

Find answers to your questions about eligibility, application deadlines, and more.

Who is eligible to apply for the program?

Our program is open to Black youth, newcomers, youth with disabilities, and NEET youth (Not in Education, Employment or Training), aged 15-30, who are facing barriers to employment. Certain partner programs might have additional or slightly different eligibility requirements, if you have any questions on eligibility please email us at info@puyonglobal.com

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to secure your spot.

Participants receive paid skills training, mentorship, life coaching and other available supports

No! As long as you live in Strathmore or any of the surrounding areas. The first half of training is in-person at our office and we have created virtual platform to accommodate those who are remote to accommodate those not in the major in Strathmore. The second half we have a range of employers, some that provide paid work experience opportunity to our participants. Employment is in-person at the location of the prospective employers. Remote jobs is dependent on the availability of jobs.

Yes you will get paid living expenses for 30 hours/week at a rate TBD.

The training program lasts for 6-7 weeks, followed by a 12-week employment opportunity.

The program is available in Strathmore, Alberta.

You can apply by visiting our website and filling out the application form. For further assistance, contact us via email.

Apply for the Nurturing Futures For Youth Project

Application Form (#8)

Applicant Information

To be eligible for this program, you must meet all the criteria below. Please ensure you have documents verifying your eligibility (e.g., SIN, government issued ID with date of birth) as these will be required upon acceptance.