YMCA Calgary has several programs for the unemployed and underemployed. Committed to helping people reach their full potential, YMCA employment programs are designed to enhance the skills of youth and adults and prepare them for meaningful jobs in the workforce.
Federal Public Sector Youth Internship Program (FPSYIP) | YMCA Achievement Program (YMAP) | Inspiring YMAP Stories
Federal Public Sector Youth Internship Program (FPSYIP)
Funded through Services Canada, FPSYIP provides unemployed or underemployed Canadians, ages 16 to 30, with practical work experience through internships in the federal government. These flexible, practical internship assignments are geared towards providing meaningful opportunities to develop job skills and prepare for employment with the help of a mentor.
To find out more and to apply for the program, call the employment director at (403) 531-1663 and book an appointment.
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YMCA Achievement Program (YMAP)
YMAP Explorers| YMAP Achievers| YMAP Leaders
With nine sites in Calgary, the YMCA Achievement Program (YMAP) is a stay-in-school initiative for immigrant youth ages 14 to 20.
YMAP provides youth with life-skills training, career exploration, post-secondary preparation opportunities and leadership development through workshops, volunteer opportunities and mentorship.
YMAP's goal is to provide support and learning opportunities for youth to help them make a healthy transition to adulthood. Working with mentors, these youth get invaluable experience and a chance to realize their potential.
YMAP has three streams:
YMAP Explorers
Designed to help newly-arrived immigrant high school students explore Canadian culture and norms and learn about key cultural differences. Other topics may include: the transit system, community assistance and resource programs, and cross-cultural communication
Benefits:
- Learn about Canadian culture and develop a sense of belonging
- Receive mentoring
- Receive school credits and may receive payment for summer school and community service
- Access to YMCA recreational facilities
- Spend a weekend at the Camp Chief Hector YMCA
Criteria:
- Must be between the ages of 15 and 20
- Attending high school
- A recent newcomer to Canada
- A permanent resident or Canadian citizen
- Willing to commit to weekly sessions, summer school and community service
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YMAP Achievers
Provides youth with career and life skills training, post-secondary preparation, scholarship opportunities, leadership development and volunteer experience.
Benefits:
- Leadership development
- Increase communication and public speaking skills
- Meet new friends and develop a sense of belonging
- Increase confidence and self-esteem
- Expand network of adult and student mentors
- Access to YMCA recreational facilities
- Spend a weekend at the Camp Chief Hector YMCA
Criteria:
- Must be between the ages of 15 and 20
- Attending high school
- Newcomer to Canada and/or from an immigrant background
- A permanent resident or Canadian citizen
- Willing to commit to weekly sessions
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YMAP Leaders
YMAP Leaders, the final year of YMAP, is designed to challenge students on issues such as human rights, equity and equality, and multiculturalism and diversity. Participants will also learn about effective communication and public speaking skills, leadership, fundraising and conflict resolution.
Benefits:
- Expand knowledge of global issues
- Involvement in community service
- Public speaking opportunities (Emcee special events)
- “The Duke of Edinburgh” Youth Challenge participation
- Attend the YMCA Western Leadership Conference
- Enhance teamwork and problem solving skills
- Access to YMCA recreational facilities
Criteria:
- A YMAP Achievers graduate
- Must be between the ages of 15 and 20
- Attending high school
- Willing to commit to weekly sessions
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