CanAssist

University of Victoria

Together we CanAssist.

Information for employers

TeenWork is actively focused on developing new working relationships with community employers to identify placements for several new youth participants. If you would like to know more about the TeenWork program or would like to get involved as an employer, please contact Hamish Black, the TeenWork Program Manager, at 250-721-8828 or hmanb@uvic.ca.

How can your business benefit?
Who can participate in TeenWork?
How does a business hire a youth with special needs?
Employment secured: long-term employment
FAQs for employers

How can your business benefit?

  • gain loyal, hard-working employees, supported by a TeenWork job coach
  • increase retention in entry-level positions
  • gain recognition from customers and the community as an inclusive employer
  • improve workplace morale and enhance your community networks

Who can participate in TeenWork?

Any youth who:

  • has special needs and is from 15 to 19 years old
  • attends high school
  • acts safely toward self and others
  • is motivated and eager to work
  • is independent in personal care
  • is independent in transportation

How does a business hire a youth with special needs?

  • business are encouraged to contact the TeenWork coordinator if they are interested in hiring a youth (250-721-8828 or hmanb@uvic.ca)
  • the youth may initiate contact directly, with or without their job coach
  • the TeenWork coordinator may contact a business as a potential employer and request a brief meeting to discuss employment opportunities
  • an employer works with the youth and their job coach to identify an appropriate paid position that fits with current business needs

Employment secured: long-term employment

Once a position has been secured, a TeenWork job coach will work with the employer and youth to ensure a smooth transition into the workplace. Workplace support from the job coach may include:

  • assisting the youth in learning job duties and understanding the employer's expectations
  • working with the employer, youth and staff to facilitate the development of natural supports (e.g. a mentor or co-worker in the workplace who can provide additional guidance)
  • as the youth becomes increasingly independent at work, on-site job coaching will be reduced as appropriate
  • the job coach will continue to check in with the employer and the youth on a weekly or monthly basis, as needed
  • the employer should feel comfortable contacting the job coach at any point during the youth's employment

FAQs for employers

Feedback on the TeenWork program

Real teens, real stories

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*Please note: TeenWork is a small-scale pilot project with limited participant capacity

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