Opening doors. Building futures.
Get started attracting, onboarding, and retaining Opportunity Youth (OY).
Future talent. Today’s action.
Below is a simple, three-step journey to help you move from intention to integration – and build a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready workforce. Each phase is designed to equip you with practical tools, evidence-based insights, and real-world strategies that work.
1
Attract
Build your pathway to inclusive recruitment.
Hiring Opportunity Youth begins with how and where you look for talent – and how you tell your story as an employer. This section helps you write job postings that are inclusive, connect with youth where they already are, and partner with non-profit agencies that reinforce a strong, supported recruitment pipeline.
2
Onboard
Welcome with care. Lead with structure.
Opportunity Youth thrive when their first days and weeks on the job are welcoming and designed with their needs in mind. Learn how to enhance the onboarding experience, empower supervisors to lead with empathy, and set up mentorship that builds confidence from Day One.
3
Retain
Invest in growth. Unlock potential.
Retention isn’t about perks – it’s about purpose. In this section, discover strategies to support Opportunity Youth to see a meaningful future with your organization. You’ll find practical tools on mentorship, advancement pathways, learning investments, and creating workplace cultures that foster belonging and loyalty.
You’re not in this alone
Hiring Opportunity Youth isn’t a solo journey – it’s a shared commitment. Behind every successful hire is a network of support, rooted in trust, partnership, and the belief that work can be a powerful force for equity.
Non-profit agencies are ready to walk beside you. They understand the barriers youth face and can help you shape inclusive hiring, onboarding, and mentorship supports.
By collaborating with agencies, you’re not just filling roles – you’re building relationships that strengthen culture, advance DEI, and help youth build stable, purposeful lives. You don’t need all the answers – just the right partners.
Success story
Opening the door to opportunity: From work experience to 14 years of impact
When Jan first arrived at the Calgary Winter Club with his team from Progressive Alternatives Society of Calgary (PASC) for a short work experience, tasks were collaboratively carved out that matched his abilities, interests and the Club’s needs. What began with simple cleaning and paper shredding blossomed into permanent, part-time employment that has grown in scope for more than 14 years. “Jan is an asset to all our departments now, whether that’s equipment moves in the gym or special projects in administration,” says Josh Han, Fitness Manager. “He is always willing, has a brilliant attitude, and lifts our team spirit every day.”
Wilson Situ, PASC Facilitator, says Jan has been empowered to expand his skills and take on new challenges. With a passion for technology, he now digitally archives the Club’s membership files; proof that with the right support and opportunity, untapped potential can shine. As Wilson shares: “If employers give individuals with a disability a chance, they’ll discover the most loyal employees – grateful for the opportunity to show what they can do, and eager to grow and thrive at work.”
Why it worked: Work experience opened the door, tasks aligned to skills, and opportunities for growth led to long-term retention.
What began as a short work experience has grown into 14 years of valued contribution; Jan’s loyalty, attitude, and skills continue to lift the Calgary Winter Club every day
Josh Han, Fitness Manager, Calgary Winter Club
