Youth in Trades

Free, paid training for young adults pursuing a career in culinary or construction trade

Youth in Trades supports out-of-school and unemployed youth and young adults between 15 and 30 years old in Toronto seeking full-time employment in Culinary and Construction. We aim to uplift youth who are facing multiple barriers-be it socioeconomic, physical ability, or otherwise. 

The Youth in Trades program encompasses 13 weeks of paid, full-time training: seven weeks of specialized employment skills training + six weeks in a job placement. Upon program completion, learners will be equipped with experience and knowledge to enter the work force.

What you can expect from Youth in Trades

Culinary Skills Training:

Seven weeks of hands-on employment skills training in the kitchen under an experienced chef-instructor. Learners will earn minimum wage during training.

Construction Skills Training:

 Job Development for All Learners

Regardless of stream, all learners will be trained in group-based life skills and employment skills workshops to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Learners will also receive training in:

• Resume writing
• Job search
• Professional use of social media
• Interview Skills
• Job Maintenance
• Labour Marketing Information
• Financial Literacy
• Aggression Replacement

Is Youth in Trades right for you?

The Youth in Trades program is designed to support youth and young adults facing multiple barriers. You may be a good fit for this program if you are:

• Seeking full-time employment
• Aged between 15 and 30 years old at the time of registration; must be out of school and out of work
• A Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Legally entitled to work in Canada

We welcome Indigenous, Black and other racialized youth and individuals; members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community; as well as youth and individuals with disabilities; who are early leavers from high school; living in low-income households; experiencing houselessness or precarious housing; or living in rural, remote, Northern or fly-in communities.

Due to the high level of interest, we are not accepting any new applicants. Those who have already submitted a form will be contacted soon.

Contact Us:

Email yit@tdsb.on.ca
Call us at 416-393-0350 

Notice of Collection and Use of Personal Information:

Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of sections 58(5), 169.1-173 and 189 of the Education Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.E.2 and will be used to plan, administer, deliver and promote the Toronto District School Board (“TDSB”) Community Services programs and initiatives, as well as for statistical purposes. This information is retained in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M56 and will be shared with authorized TDSB staff and the TDSB authorized service provider(s) in order to administer the above purposes. Questions about this collection should be directed to Cristina Graida, TDSB Community Services Coordinator at Cristina.Graida@tdsb.on.ca, or at 5050 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M2N 5N8.