Unemployed and underemployed individuals can learn, grow and thrive in our employment programs as we work to address some of the barriers to entering the labour market across central and northern Alberta. Our employment experts can support you in person or remotely in search of a job that's right for you. 

Our Programs

Bridging the Gap (BTG)

For younger job seekers (aged 15 to 30), we offer Bridging the Gap, a 20-week employment readiness program that enhances skills through practical training and a twelve-week work placement. Bridging the Gap has been proudly offered by the YMCA in Grande Prairie, Wood Buffalo and Red Deer regions.

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Career Mentorship Program

This program offers internationally trained immigrants and refugees the opportunity to connect with mentors who will help them develop networking strategies, improve their understanding of Canadian work culture, and better prepare for work in the Wood Buffalo region.

Mentors and mentees work together to set goals and decide on activities for the duration of the mentoring relationship. We ask for a commitment of approximately 15 hours for mentoring to be completed within a 3- to 6-month period. Mentors and mentees can meet in the format of their choosing, either face-to-face or virtually.

Questions?

If you wish to participate in the program, contact our team at
(780) 791-1115 Ext 2 or (587) 723-1726 | elink@northernalberta.ymca.ca

Employment Link | Liaison Emploi

YMCA Employment Link supports thousands of individuals each year in the Wood Buffalo Region with the completion of educational assessments, guidance on career pathways and access to employment services.

Services we provide

  • Linking French-speaking Canadians and immigrants to employment
  • One-on-one assistance with resume development, cover letters and job search strategies
  • International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
  • Labour market information
  • Information and referrals
  • Workshops
  • Professional mentoring program

Program eligibility

  • 18 years of age or older
  • French-speaking Canadian citizens
  • Immigrants and new Canadian citizens
  • Permanent Residents
  • Protected Persons who are eligible to work in Canada

Questions?

To learn more about this program, 
(780) 791-1115 Ext 2 or (587) 723-1726 | elink@northernalberta.ymca.ca


YMCA Liaison Emploi aide des milliers de personnes chaque année dans la région de Wood Buffalo en effectuant des évaluations éducatives, en les orientant vers des parcours professionnels et en leur donnant accès à des services d'emploi. 

Des Services pour vous aider

  • Rejoindre les Canadiens francophones et les immigrants aux services d'emploi
  • Rédaction de curriculum vitae, lettre de présentation et aide à la recherche d'emploi
  • Service d'évaluation des qualifications Internationales (IQAS)
  • Information sur le marché du travail local
  • Informations et références
  • Ateliers
  • Programme professionnel de mentorat

Admissibilité au programme 

  • être âgé de 18 ans ou plus 
  • Citoyens Canadiens francophones 
  • Immigrants/nouveaux arrivants: citoyens Canadiens 
  • Résidents permanents 
  • Personnes protégées (refugies acceptes) qui ont le droit de travailler au 
 
YMCA of Northern Alberta acknowledges the partnership of | Le YMCA du nord de l'Alberta reconnaît le partenariat de

The Government of Canada

for their resource assistance and funding support of this program. | pour les ressources de financement au programme.
Prospering Families Project

Prospering Families Project, operating out of Castle Downs Family YMCA, is a 6-month stepping stone designed to help unemployed and under-employed families gain stability with access to flexible child care hours. Participants receive:

  • Paid child care1 to get you started with the opportunity for extended hours to accommodate unique work schedules
  • Transportation2 from school to the Castle Downs Family YMCA
  • Employment support and services
  • Family support, services and much more 

Child care fees are paid for the first three months, 50% for 3–6 months, with the option to continue at regular price after six months. 

Transportation costs covered up to $50/month 

If you think your family could benefit from this program, learn more and complete a pre-screening questionnaire today! 

Learn more

Launchpad for Women Entrepreneurs

Launchpad for Women Entrepreneurs is a dynamic program designed exclusively for women entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds and industries. With options to join both in-person and virtual sessions, the program provides early-stage women founders with
invaluable resources and a vibrant community to launch and grow successful ventures.

Kickstart your business success today! There's no cost to join.

Learn More

Immigrants & Newcomers

We can help you connect with a wide range of services you and your family need as newcomers to Canada, such as health care, education and language help. The YMCA is an entrance to many resources that will help you settle in your new community.

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