Youth in Action: Summer Work Experience

What is Youth in Action?

Youth in Action: Summer Work Experience is a program that will provide students who have an intellectual disability the opportunity to ­find meaningful part-time employment opportunities in their communities! The goal is to provide students the opportunity to earn money during the summer, while adding valuable skills and experiences to their resume.

Students hired by local businesses will be paired with a student job coach, employed by Community Living Essex County. Their role will be to work alongside students and employers to mentor and guide them, ensuring they understand and complete all work related duties.

Why be a part of Youth in Action?

  • Find out what it’s like to work with a team.
  • Add skills and experience to your resume.
  • Work alongside a job coach during your shifts.
  • Earn money during the summer – and boost your confidence!

You can apply if:

  • You are between 16 and 29 years old.
  • You have a verified intellectual disability.
  • You have transportation to and from your place of work.
  • You have a Social Insurance Number and Bank Account for payroll deposits.
  • You are motivated and interested in working during the summer break!

Complete and submit the full application by Friday, April 28th, 2023

Space is limited! There will be up to 20 students chosen to participate during the summer of 2023. Please look at the important dates below to make sure you can participate.

  • Application Deadline April 28th 
  • Interview Week May 8th to 12th
  • Group 1: Job Preparation Week May 23rd-May 26th
  • Group 1: Six Week Work Placement May 29th to July 7th
  • Group 2: Job Preparation Week July 3rd to July 6th
  • Group 2: Six Week Work Placement July 10th to Aug 18th

New in 2022, we partnered with the University of Windsor’s Kinesiology Department to provide Youth in Action participants the optional opportunity to join in on physical activity sessions outside of their work schedule. These opportunities for physical activity are made possible by funding from Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.

PLEASE NOTE: Timelines are subject to change. Families will be notified of any changes by Shelbey Pillon, Manager, CL Supports overseeing Career Compass.

Employers Looking for Summer Students

Are you an employer looking for summer students? We can help!

Why should my business be a part of Youth in Action?

  • Provide a student with a summer job opportunity to add new skills and experiences to their resume.
  • Have a student job coach on-site to mentor your student employee during their shifts.
  • Have your business highlighted on our social media channels.
  • Be a community leader in inclusive hiring!

To participate, employers must commit to:

  • Hiring a student for a part time 6 week placement.
  • Paying a student minimum wage.
  • Allowing student job coaches to work alongside the student employee they are paired with.

How can my business get involved?

  1. Contact the Career Compass team at 519-776-6483, ext. 276 or by email at careercompass@communitylivingessex.org.
  2. A team member will contact you to get details on your business and the summer job opportunity.
  3. The Career Compass team will match a summer student’s interests and strengths to your job opportunity, ensuring the best possible fit!