YOUTH EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION

The youth who come to Directions get to set their own goals—it’s one of the ways we try to be youth-informed in our programming. A common goal among young people—especially once they’ve had their immediate needs met—is to find a job. For some youth, that can be a pretty big leap so we provide learning opportunities and paid work right at the Drop-In Centre so they can develop their skills in a familiar setting.

Our Youth Employment Programs empower youth to:

  • Move beyond survival mode
  • Develop new life skills
  • Recognize their skills are valuable and transferable 
  • Receive personalized coaching and support
  • Receive health supports to minimize harm from substance use
  • Gain confidence to be employment-ready
  • Write a resume and/or find a job
  • Access other pre-employment or employment programs
  • Further their education, if they choose to go (back) to school 

I feel safe when I am at Directions. When I started coming here I got treated with respect, had something to eat and a place to relax. Directions gave me a safe place to focus on my situation and help make it better.

— Client, Directions Youth Services

Staff made sure I was always comfortable and respected. There were lots of resources I was told about and all of my questions were always answered.

— Client, Directions Safehouse

Since I started coming to Directions a year ago, I’ve had to go through a lot of ups and downs, some of the most difficult and upsetting events in my life that I would not have been able to handle so stress-free and smoothly as I have and I believe that Directions has been a major reason.

— Participant, Directions Street Youth Job Action

Outreach provided me with referrals and advocated for me. The meals and food allowed me not to go hungry, and donated items such as clothing and things for my home when I moved in were so nice.

— Client, Directions Youth Services

Street Youth Job Action 

SYJA is a same-day pay job for Directions youth. In crews of two to four, youth and a peer team leader do jobs in the community. We provide training, all necessary safety equipment, clothing, and lunch.  

Jobs include:

  • Needle sweeps: cleaning up different parts of the city by safely collecting drug litter. 
  • Inside cleaning: janitorial duties in and around the DYS Centre such as wiping down tables, chairs, sweeping, and mopping. 
  • Street cleaning and garbage removal: collecting litter and recyclables in the Vancouver Downtown core and West End. 

Not only do youth earn minimum wage, but they also get job experience, develop valuable life skills, and gain access to additional support from Directions Youth Workers. 

Contact us

For youth who want to participate in SYJA, visit the Drop-In Centre or contact:

Call: 604 726 7545
Text: 604 726 7545

Interested in supporting our Youth Employment Programs? 

Many of the vulnerable youth who access Directions haven’t had positive adult role models in their lives. Many have been on their own from a young age. Navigating complex trauma, building relationships, and trying to survive in an expensive city is a lot to manage – especially if a young person isn’t confident in their job skills. Our youth employment programs start with the basics and provide peer support along the way, readying youth for other employment programs, school, or a career. To ensure vulnerable youth continue to benefit these programs, contact [email protected].