Partner with NON-PROFIT agencies
Why partner with a non-profit agency?
You’re not in this alone. Together, we go further.
Hiring Opportunity Youth doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Across your community, trusted non-profit agencies are ready to support your success with pre-screened candidates, training programs, and wraparound supports for both you and your new hires.
While these non-profit agencies are not recruitment firms and the scope of their support varies, they often help youth prepare through hiring fairs, mock interviews, and skill development programs, ensuring you meet motivated candidates who are ready to contribute.
Whether you’re just starting to explore inclusive hiring or are ready to scale a proven approach, these organizations can help you recruit, onboard, and retain young talent – and build the kind of workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
What is an agency?
Terms like youth-serving agency, community-based organization, non-profit agency, or partner agency all mean non-profits that provide free support to youth and employers. They connect young people to jobs and help employers build inclusive, successful workplaces. Partnering with an agency is one of the best ways to attract, onboard, and retain Opportunity Youth.
Why partner?
When you work with a non-profit organization, you:
Access a prepared talent pipeline.
Many OY have already participated in job readiness, pre-employment, or skills training programs.
Share the onboarding lift.
Partners often provide mentorship, coaching, or employer liaison support during the first weeks and months of work.
Build trust with youth.
Youth are more likely to apply – and stay – when referred through a trusted organization.
Strengthen your brand and impact.
Partnering signals your commitment to community investment and inclusive hiring.
Partnering opens doors for employers to connect with Opportunity Youth who bring energy, fresh perspectives, and a hunger to learn.
For over 50 years, Trellis Society and the Calgary Stampede have shown the power of this partnership – hiring more than 250 youth each year to help keep the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth clean and welcoming for over a million visitors. By investing in young people, Calgary employers don’t just strengthen their workforce, they help build a more resilient and inclusive community.
Robyn Yon, Director, Trellis Society for Community Impact
How these partnerships work
The best collaborations are built on trust, communication, and shared goals.
01
Connect
Reach out to a partner that aligns with your hiring goals. Not sure who’s the right fit? Check out our directory below and start with a discovery call to learn more.
02
Collaborate
Discuss your hiring needs, ideal candidate profiles, role tasks and workplace culture. The partner organization can help match the right youth and prepare them for success.
03
Hire with confidence
You’ll receive referrals for motivated youth who are ready to work. In many cases, the organization can support onboarding or help access wage subsidies.
04
Wraparound support
If challenges arise, you won’t be left to navigate them alone. Many partners offer continued support to both the employer and the youth – helping address issues early and improve retention outcomes.
Best practices for employer–partner collaboration
Be transparent
Share your needs, expectations, and workplace realities so the partner can make the best match.
Include them early
Involve your partner in onboarding planning to co-create a smoother first 30-90 days.
Check in often
Regular communication helps spot wins and address concerns quickly.
Share feedback
It helps partners refine candidate preparation and improves long-term collaboration.
We partner with three community-based organizations to reach potential newcomer employees who might not respond to traditional job postings. Through these collaborative relationships we’ve hired successfully and increased retention with loyal employees eager to prove their value and contribute to the team.
Karen Schmidt,
HR Manager Maple Premium Services Ltd.
Ready to connect?
Explore the Non-profit Agency Directory to find the right partner for your hiring goals.
Let’s build the future of work – together
If you’re ready to more intentionally recruit and develop young people who otherwise might struggle to find their first opportunity, the strategies and guides in this toolkit will help.