Building foundational skills for employment comes in many different forms, even at an early age. Sometimes, these opportunities are right at our fingertips, waiting to be explored. From small jobs and volunteer work in the community, to extracurricular activities, there are plenty of ways for all youth to gain valuable experience early on. These early experiences not only build skills but also help youth discover their strengths, explore interests, and grow with confidence in real world settings. By engaging in activities that foster responsibility, teamwork and self-reliance, they are setting the stage for future success in the workplace.
In this blog, we’ll explore some exciting pre-employment opportunities in your community that youth can dive into.
Volunteering
Communities are always in need of volunteers, making it easy for youth to gain hands-on experience in a relaxed setting. Volunteering offers a chance to learn alongside others, building teamwork, communication, and time-management skills—and it’s a great addition to your first resume too!
The Ontario Ministry of Education requires all secondary students to complete at least 40 hours of community involvement to earn their high school diploma—so why not get a head start?
Click here for a breakdown of eligible volunteer activities.
Note:
School guidance counselors are always happy to provide volunteer tracking sheets to students before they start Grade 9. Reach out to your school or check the school board’s website for more information!
Starting a Small Business
Got a budding talent on your hands? Starting a small business—like selling crafts or offering personalized classes to your community—is a fun way to turn skills and passions into a mini-venture! Whether they’re creating unique products or providing services, youth can dive into budgeting, marketing, and customer service. Plus, it’s a fantastic confidence booster!
Earning a Certification
Earning a certification can give youth a “leg up” when it comes to securing employment and also allows them to gain new skills. The process of earning a certification often involves practical training and hands-on experience, which builds confidence and prepares youth for real-world experiences in the work place. Furthermore, certifications demonstrates commitment to learning and development which looks great on a resume!
Here are some certifications that youth can pursue:
Girl Guides of Canada
Girl Guides of Canada provides leadership programs and opportunities for girls to develop skills in teamwork, decision-making, and community service, culminating in various awards and certifications.
To learn more visit:
Mini Jobs
Exploring mini job opportunities in the community are a great stepping stone for youth to gain experience, make connections and maybe a little income. Mini jobs are flexible, allowing youth to discover different tasks all while learning valuable life- and employment skills. They are also helping out neighbours and making connections in the community. It’s a win-win!
Here are a few mini job ideas:
Dog walking and pet sitting
Paper route / flyer delivery
Lawn care and snow removal
Tutoring
Babysitting
Library helper
Grocery delivery
Kickstart your Resume
Starting your first resume can feel hard to fill, but these early experiences make it so much easier. The opportunities stated above are all great ways to learn essential employment skills—and they’re just as valuable for building a strong resume. Each role adds unique experiences that can set apart in the job application process, giving them more to talk about in interviews and a chance to demonstrate real-world skills.
Clubs and Extracurricular Activities:
Starting or getting involved in school or community clubs is a fantastic way for teens to learn important skills, such as teamwork, leadership, organization, and commitment - skills that are essential in any job. These experiences don’t just make a great addition to a resume; they equip teens with a sense of responsibility and accomplishment that they’ll carry into any workplace.
Employment Support at WonderTree
WonderTree's Job Coach supports youth and young adults in finding and keeping employment. We focus on career paths, job search, advocacy, resume writing, interview prep, and skills to thrive at work—tailored to each person's unique strengths and needs.
Areas that can be targeted:
Career path and employment
Finding a job
Self-determination/advocacy
Resume writing
Interview skills
Building skills to maintain a job/employment
Support in identifying how to harness their unique skills and translate them to the workforce
Other areas of need as voiced by the client
Review our Executive Functioning Tip sheet.
Want all of this information in one handy downloadable resource?
Click here to download!
This document provides tips and strategies for emotion regulation, environmental accommodations, supporting transitions, addressing learning concerns, and consequences.
Additional Resources and Programs in Ontario
Volunteer Toronto - A hub for volunteer opportunities across Toronto.
Canadian Red Cross - Offers First-Aid, CPR and Babysitting certifications for youth starting around age 11.
Skills Ontario: Hosting workshops and events aimed to help youth develop skills in skilled trades, technology and employment.
YMCA Ontario - Offering youth leadership programs and camps including certifications in lifeguarding, first aid, and community service.
Boys and Girls Club of Ontario - Always seeking youth volunteers.
4-H Ontario - Offering hands on experience and programs where youth “Learn To Do By Doing”.
Junior Achievement Ontario - Provides programs that teach youth in grades 3-12 about entrepreneurship, financial literacy.
If you want to get started on support first:
Unsure of what support you may need?
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IMPORTANT: Information shared by WonderTree is not intended to replace or be constituted as clinical or medical care. It’s intended for educational purposes only. Each child is unique, and the information provided may not be applicable to your specific situation. If you need support, please establish care with a licensed provider so that they can provide tailored recommendations for you or your child. This blog is non-monetized.
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