y Ignite - Youth Employment and Training Opportunities

The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick and the Department of Post-Secondary Education Training and Labour have partnered to help develop the talent pipeline and support the leaders of tomorrow in Southwestern New Brunswick through a youth employability program - Y IGNITE.

What is Y IGNITE?

Y IGNITE is a curriculum-based employment program that will provide youth with the opportunity to learn transferrable skills, gain valuable work experience and build their professional network.

The Y IGNITE program is made up of four parts:

• Employment Workshops: Program participants will spend six weeks developing their skills and tools for success the workforce. Facilitated by a Workplace Essential Skills program officer, workshops will be tailored to the participant's needs, covering a variety of topics including communication, collaboration, adaptability, creativity, innovation, job search, resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, professional writing, time management, and other general leadership and employment training topics.
• Job Placement: Each program participant will spend ten weeks in job placement in a department of the YMCA to allow them to explore their career and provide a head start. Potential placements include working in Child Care, Facilities, Membership, Fitness and Recreation or Newcomer Connections.
• Mentorship: Participants will have the ability to connect with a mentor who has been through the program or has a career in participant's field of interest.
• Employment Action Plan: Each program participant will talk with their employment counsellor to set up an employment action plan before and during the program. The counsellor will provide program participants with guidance and career advice through the meetings.

The next Y IGNITE cohort begins this fall and runs for 16 weeks. This cohort will be for youth who are not currently attending full-time education. Participants must be available to work full-time hours throughout the program.

The Opportunity

As part of the Y Ignite program, we are looking for youth to join one of the following departments as part of their job placement:

• Child Care and After School: The YMCA offers Child Care and After School programs at many locations throughout Saint John. You will play an essential role in children's learning and growth, including physical and social development, in a safe and child-centred environment.
• Facilities: The YMCA houses our programs in several facilities in Saint John. You will be responsible for performing upkeep tasks and ensuring facilities are tidy and functional.
• Membership Services: The Membership team is our first point of contact for members and visitors. You will deliver high-quality experiences to members and potential members by being an information source about the programs and services the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick offers.
• Recreation: The Recreation team delivers programming designed to cater to the physical, mental, and social health of individuals of all ages, including children, youth, and older adults. You will ensure an enjoyable, safe and inclusive environment for participants of various skills and abilities.
• Fitness: The Fitness Team plays an essential role in development of YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick members in personal learning and growth, including physical and social development. Instruct groups and individuals in fitness activities and programming. Circulate through the centre, initiating conversation, assisting members with exercise technique and provide lifestyle awareness information to those members that are interested.
• Newcomer Connections: Y Newcomer Connections is a leading immigrant settlement centre focused on creating connections that will transform our community into a lasting, healthy home for immigrants from around the world and from all walks of life. You will assist our Newcomer Connections team in program support, administrative tasks and creating a warm environment for newcomers
• Philanthropy & Volunteering: As a charity, philanthropy, fund raising and volunteers are at the core of our day to day activities. You will assist the Philanthropy team promoting the YMCA and increasing awareness of our impact. You will also have a chance to support fund raising activities and work the Volunteer Coordinator to attract and retain volunteers.
• Aquatics: As a Lifeguard/ Swim Instructor, you will play a vital role in ensuring a safe and welcoming aquatic environment for everyone. Working closely with the Aquatics Supervisor, you'll be responsible for delivering high-quality, values-based programming while prioritizing the safety and well-being of all participants in and around the pool. Your day will involve actively engaging with swimmers, keeping a close eye on their safety, and stepping in when needed to guide and assist them. Your vigilance is key, and in the event of an emergency, you'll be ready to perform lifesaving activities like resuscitation and first aid.

In your application, please be sure to highlight the top 2 departments you would like to be placed in.

Requirements

• Not currently enrolled in full time education
• Employment is contingent on having a clean Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search along with clearance from the Department of Social Development.

What We Offer

• YMCA membership
• Opportunities for career growth
• Paid job-related certifications (i.e. First Aid/CPR)

We ask qualified applicants to submit their cover letter and resume by September 27th, 2024. The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick appreciates the interest of all applicants. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.