What does YSEP do?

Many youth employment programs focus on simply getting young people jobs – any job. At Eva’s Phoenix, the Youth Succeeding in Employment Program (YSEP) is about providing at-risk youth with employment opportunities that will assist them to get their “foot in the door” to a career of their choice. By working closely with youth, the YSEP team at Eva’s Phoenix seeks out the passion and aspirations of each individual, and then work with them to build a career-based action plan that is driven by that passion.

YSEP begins with a 5-week employment preparation component called Career Exploration and Preparation (CEP). In CEP, 8 youth will be hired to participate in a 5-week series of employability and career-exploration workshops. Participants are paid a training stipend of minimum wage, work 30-hours Monday to Friday and develop important skill-sets that raise their profiles on topics ranging from personality dimensions, budgeting, team work, communication to networking the hidden job market. Through supportive employment counseling and individualized action plans, participants increase their awareness on how to become the type of worker they want to be while preparing for the second component of the program which is called the Work Experience Placement (WEP).

A WEP is designed to give youth a real-life glimpse into a chosen career. Participants are matched with an employer of their choice and placed for up to 12-weeks based on their individual career goals. Each participant can work 35 hours per week and will be guaranteed a starting salary of minimum wage. Throughout a WEP, participants receive guidance and support from YSEP staff to ensure that they’re meeting the goals and objectives created in their action plan. As well, access to continued training, tools and materials are available as additional supports. This innovative model links ambitious youth with employers seeking motivated staff and provides youth with vital experience and information related to their desired career.

Past WEP’s have included positions within the business administration, hospitality, customer service, information technology, social services and skilled trades industries. Upon completion of a WEP, YSEP staff facilitate a performance appraisal with the focus of permanent employment in mind.

Finally, YSEP understands that the road to employment is a long one. The key is not to give up if one approach doesn’t work. YSEP believes in working with youth and employers to create a plan of success. That is why Eva’s Phoenix follows up on its YSEP graduates on a regular basis for up to a year, and provides assistance to link them to other community supports and resources once they leave the program.

How Do I know if I’m eligible?

You are eligible for the YSEP if you are:

1. Between 15-30 years of age (inclusive)
2. Out of school
3. Have a valid social insurance number
4. A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
5. Legally entitled to work according to relevant provincial legislation and regulations
6. Not in receipt of Employment Insurance (EI)
7. In need of assistance in order to overcome barriers to employment
8. Be willing to work Monday-Friday between 9-5

When is the YSEP available?

Call the YSEP Employment Intake/Follow up Worker @ 416-364-4716 ext 248 to learn when the next available session begins.

How do I apply?

Admission begins with an in-depth assessment and intake interview. You will meet with the YSEP Intake/Follow up Worker to explore your employment goals for the future, and together build an action plan to achieve them.

There is no “right answer” for what this can mean. All that is necessary is that you’re willing to discuss your employment barriers, hear about ways to establish a career path that best meets your long and short-tem goals and be open to having a positive outlook.

You can contact us directly to book an assessment appointment or, you can download our YSEP initial contact form and fax it to our YSEP Intake/Follow up Worker.

Where is the YSEP located?

Our program is located at:

Eva’s Phoenix, 11 Ordnance Street, Toronto, Ontario M6K1A1 Telephone: 416-364-4716 ext 248 Fax: 416-364-2985

Are you an employer looking to hire?

YSEP participants have a broad range of interests from business administration, hospitality, customer service, information technology, community work and the skilled trades. We link ambitious youth with employers seeking motivated staff and we provide support to make the experience successful for all parties.

Employers will receive…

• A new employee eager to learn about a career in your industry
• An employee whose wages are fully subsidized at minimum wage and retained on Eva’s payroll
• The opportunity to assist a youth in furthering their career aspirations
• Regular, individually-tailored evaluations with the employee
• Ongoing contact with the YSEP staff to ensure a high level of satisfaction
• Increased advertising opportunities to showcase your business to a larger market
• An opportunity to promote youth company’s Corporate Social Responsibility

Next steps…

• Over 250 businesses have participated in YSEP since 2000. If your company is interested in benefiting from this unique opportunity please do not hesitate to contact a the Manager of Employment Services at 416-364-4716 ext 233. We would be happy to answer any of your questions on how this partnership can serve as a win-win opportunity