Y Works (Windsor and London)
Skills building and employment support for youth and young adults.
Y Works is an employment program that assists youth and young adults ages 15-30 to overcome barriers of employment. Our program delivers a range of activities that help youth overcome barriers to employment and develop a broad range of skills and knowledge in order to participate in the current and future labour market. Over a 5-week period we provide individual and group-based support that include employability skills building workshops. Upon completion, we connect participants with a paid job opportunity or with appropriate courses and training opportunities in a field of their choice. For those entering the workforce, an additional 12 weeks for tailored support are provided to both participants and their employer to promote long-term success.
Program Structure:
Week 1-5
Group and individual based employment preparation assistance for 20 hours per week, wherein participants will be paid an allowance equivalent to the minimum wage per hour.
Week 6-17
Paid job opportunity with tailored supports provided to both participants and employer; or assistance with enrollment into academic/training course(s).
Offered Supports:
We tailor our supports specifically for your success which can include*:
- Transportation
- Child care
- Professional mental health support
- Living allowances
- Work-related material and supplies
- Completion bonus
- Employment and academic advice
- Interview preparation
- Networking
- On-the-job supports for participants and employers
*Supports vary based on program, approvals, and case-to-case basis.
Program Dates: Cohorts for 2026 starting in February, May and September
Contact Us
General Inquires
If you are interested in this program, please provide us with your basic information. A program representative will contact you within 48 hours.
General Inquires
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Y Works Program
382 Waterloo St, London, ON
519-667-3300 x 2038
yworks@ymcaswo.ca
London
Windsor
Employers
If you are a community partner, organization, or employer that is interested in establishing a partnership with Y Works program, please click the 'Employer Form' below to fill out the inquiry form. Once completed please email this over to the Program Lead.
Y Works Testimonials
Chelsea Bailey – Y Works London
The Y Works Program was informative, educational while also being fun. Devin and Tess were very knowledgeable, helpful and kind making the experience an opportunity you'll never forget. They reviewed my resume, interview skills and because of this program I was able to find employment as a young Canadian seeking employment within my college certificate. All the while making lifelong friendships within my peers and participating in Y Works social events pushing me out of my comfort zone. Due to the Y Works I can say I am more employable, knowledgeable on resumes as well as interview skills to utilize in my tool box. Everyone should participate in the Y Works program given the opportunity.
Tanisha King – Y Works London
My time in the Y Works was nothing short of joy, positivity and pure motivation. And I am not kidding. I was going through a rough patch in my life, which I was super down financially, emotionally, and spiritually. I've applied to hundreds, close to thousands of jobs in the year of 2025, with no luck. When I saw the listing for the Y Works, and what the qualifications were it seemed super beneficial. When I received the call for an interview, it felt like I had another chance in finding work somehow. I am so grateful for the opportunities and support that have been provided for me by the Y Works program. As well as the tools, skills, and knowledge that have been provided in our in-class lessons and workshops. We were able to let loose, learn and have fun at the same time. Also, I appreciate the funding for applying to college, as I have been accepted in to Fanshawe for Business. I am extremely blessed as I was down financially, and Devin & Tess provided the funding so that I could get new work clothes, pay the admission fee, and for groceries, etc. The program also fed us each day, and little things like this matter to people who are in need, and lacking employment. Aside from any funding, the atmosphere and tools that I picked up within the program will stick with me forever. I am deeply impacted by the encouragement that I received and the form of mentorship and encouragement from Devin & Tess, and it was wonderful to see young people like myself, uplifting and assisting other young people to better themselves.
Victoria King – Y Works London
My experience with Y Works was really positive overall. The program was incredibly helpful, and I felt very supported throughout my time there. I was provided with the necessary tools and support to work towards my employment goals. Devin and Tess were both very helpful and accommodating, guiding us through all aspects of the job search process, from interview prep to connecting us with employers. I’m really grateful for the experience and would definitely recommend the program to other youth