The Immigrant & Refugee Services Association of PEI (IRSA PEI) has launched an exciting new initiative, the Youth Thrive: Skills, Connections, Careers program. This pre-employment program equips newcomer youths (aged 18-30) with the essential skills and practical experience needed to enter the Canadian job market, helping to address critical labor shortages in our province.
Our participants complete an intensive 4-week classroom component focused on crucial workplace competencies, including:
- Canadian Workplace Culture & Communication
- Employability Skills (resumes, job search, interviews)
- Essential Digital Literacy
- General Certifications (WHMIS, Food Safety, First Aid/CPR, and Vulnerable Sector Checks)
Partnership Opportunity: Host a 4-Week Work Placement
We are seeking Charlottetown-area businesses to host one of our job-ready participants for the crucial On-the-Job Placement/Training component.
The Ask: A four-week, unpaid work placement commitment.
The Dates for 2026 Cohorts:
Cohort 1: February 17, 2026 – March 13, 2026
Cohort 2: May 11, 2026 – June 5, 2026
Cohort 3: August 3, 2026 – August 28, 2026
Cohort 4: October 26, 2026– November 20, 2026
Value
This is a zero-cost, high-value opportunity that provides immediate and long-term benefits to participating businesses:
- Access to Motivated Talent: Evaluate pre-screened, job-ready candidates eager to learn and adapt.
- Risk-Free Employee Evaluation: Assess a potential future employee over four weeks with no financial commitment for wages.
- Community Contribution: Play a direct role in fostering a stronger, more inclusive local economy by supporting newcomer integration.
