Programs & events

Are you people focused with a high school diploma? The Calgary Humane Society is gearing up for summer hiring. Read the Employer Spotlight and attend April 8th’s virtual Q&A to learn more from those who have been at the centre of animal welfare in Calgary for over 100 years. 


Information sessions & hiring events

Café Croissant is hiring full and part-time baristas for the summer.

Bringing people together through coffee, culture and community, be a part of Café Croissant's unique and charming coffee bike cart experience.  
 
Qualifications:

  • High school diploma
  • Previous barista or customer service experience is an asset
  • Comfortable working independently and taking initiative
  • Able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions (sun, wind, rain, etc.)
  • Physically capable of lifting and moving equipment
  • Reliable, punctual, and positive attitude
  • Food Safe certificate (asset)

Think you'd be a good fit? The Youth Employment Centre is now accepting interested applicants ages 24 and under. Visit the Alberta Trade Centre (315 10th Ave. S.E.) for the potential to interview with Café Croissant’s hiring team. Now accepting interest until all available spots are filled.


Calgary Surge is looking to grow their casual Game Day Staff team! Those hired will have the opportunity to work for their upcoming May to August season.

Think you'd be a good fit?

  • Minimum age 15+
  • Preference given to those who have a high school diploma
  • Can work a minimum of 8 home games
  • Previous customer service an asset
  • Sports enthusiast & love for the game
  • Mandatory onboarding/training sessions and pre-event briefings attendance
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Interested? Those ages 15-24 can visit the Alberta Trade Centre (315 10th Ave. S.E.) by April 24 or until full, for the potential to interview!


This Way ONward

  • “I had been searching for months for a part-time job with no success. This program helped me meet Old Navy managers, improved my resume, and gave me an opportunity that I hadn’t gotten anywhere else.”

  • “Getting to hear examples and stories right from Old Navy managers helped prepare us for the interviews, and the workshop made sure our resumes and interview skills were ready to use.” 

This Way ONward is a skills training and networking program to help youth ages 16-24 land a job with Old Navy.

With multiple employment positions available at various Old Navy locations in Calgary & CrossIron Mills, this Way ONward offers year-round job training, store tours, and opportunities to interview!

Are you 16+ with a flexible schedule that can accommodate 28 hours of availability or more per week?

Apply to attend an upcoming workshop!

  • Target your resume and application
  • Enhance your interview skills
  • Learn Old Navy specific information
  • Take part in an Old Navy store tour
  • Receive ongoing support from job coaches and counsellors
  • Get an interview with Old Navy Managers!

Follow YEC on social media and stay tuned for more upcoming 2026 dates!

Selected applicants must attend both days at a downtown Calgary location.


Living Library

Don’t just imagine your future—talk to someone who’s living it!

The Youth Employment Centre’s new Living Library series, funded through RBC Foundation, gives youth ages 15-24 the ability to network, connect, and learn from working professionals.

Each library will feature a variety of human, or “living books,” across a wide range of industries and careers. Guests will connect with youth in small groups (either in person or virtually) to share their experiences, answer questions, and provide advice throughout.

Complete the registration forms below if you'd like to attend.

Pathways to Careers Networking Event


May 1, 2026
3:30 – 5 pm
In-person downtown Calgary

This in-person youth centred networking experience is designed to help young people build confidence, connections and momentum as they take steps toward employment. The event will bring together welcoming, friendly and encouraging employers and community organizations that specialize in supporting youth through pre-employment, training and career transition pathways.  

Save the date and stay tuned for a full list of attending special guests.

Two Wheel View Gap Program


Two Wheel View’s Gap Program is an 8-week, paid, employability program where participants aged 18-24 who face barriers to employment learn hands-on mechanic skills while receiving mentorship and training on employment skills such as interview skills, financial literacy, workers' rights, accommodations, resume building and job searching; all while getting real work experience they can put on their resume! 

Outward Bound Training Academy


In partnership with Gap Inc. and the Youth Employment Centre, This Way ONward supports youth ages 16-24 find meaningful employment at various Old Navy stores in Calgary and Cross Iron Mills. Youth are provided with hands-on pre-employment training, store tours and the opportunity to interview with Old Navy hiring managers. 

Outward Bound Training Academy


Outward Bound Canada’s Training Academy is a national program designed to develop the next generation of outdoor leaders through inclusive, experiential training and professional certifications. The Academy offers a blend of immersive in‑person expeditions, workshops, virtual learning, mentorship, and industry‑recognized certifications that build both technical outdoor skills and essential leadership competencies. With a strong focus on accessibility, equity, and workforce development, the program supports individuals at different stages of their careers to enter, grow, and succeed in Canada’s outdoor sector while responding to the evolving needs of diverse communities.

Goodwill Warehouse Academy


The Goodwill Warehouse Academy is a six‑month, hands‑on employment training program designed to prepare young adults for careers in warehouse, logistics, and retail operations. The program combines classroom instruction, industry‑recognized certifications, paid work experience, and individualized coaching to help participants build practical skills and confidence in a real working warehouse environment. With a strong focus on removing barriers to employment, the Academy provides wraparound supports and personalized guidance to ensure participants are job‑ready and supported as they transition into sustainable employment. 

The Work it Forward Program


Finding and keeping work can be challenging, especially for adults living with a disability or health condition. Many traditional employment programs don’t fully address the barriers you face, leaving talented, capable people without the support they need. That’s why AKG Canada created the Work It Forward Program. Based in Calgary, Work It Forward is designed to help adults with disabilities and health conditions explore employment, build skills, and move toward meaningful, sustainable work. With the right guidance, practical supports, and opportunities tailored to your strengths, you can take confident steps toward a fulfilling career. Whether you are just beginning to explore your options or looking to advance your employment journey, Work It Forward provides the tools, coaching, and resources you need to succeed. 

Careers in Construction

May 8, 2026
2:30 – 4:30 pm
In-person downtown Calgary

This conversational style event will bring special guests together in one space. Ask questions, hear real career stories and learn about training, apprenticeships and career pathways in construction and trades.

Grounded in storytelling and relationship building, this session helps youth better understand the value of skilled trades, the impact of construction on Calgary’s growth and the many ways they can build a future for themselves while helping build a city. 

Save the date and stay tuned for a full list of attending special guests.

Calgary Travel & Tourism Networking

May 22, 2026
3:30 – 5 pm
In-person downtown Calgary

Learn more about meaningful careers in the local travel and tourism industry. Have honest dialogue, get practical advice and build confidence. Through informal discussions with “Living Books” youth will gain lived experience insight from those working across hotels, attractions and tourism driven organizations.

Save the date and stay tuned for a full list of attending special guests.

Living Library Testimonial

Kimberley Presser CEO

Between Friends Living Library Book

"If you haven’t heard of the Living Book concept, it’s exactly what it sounds like. People become “books” that others can “check out” for honest, open conversations. Instead of reading pages, participants engage in real dialogue, ask questions, and learn directly from lived experience.

Choosing a caring profession, whether in community, health, education, or social services, is deeply meaningful work. But it’s also complex, human, and sometimes messy. There is no perfect script. That’s why spaces like this matter.

Being an open book means talking about what inspires this work, what challenges it, what keeps us going on the hard days, and why it’s still absolutely worth it.

Young people deserve real conversations, not polished answers. They deserve to see the full picture of what it means to build a career grounded in compassion, connection, and community.

If even one youth walks away feeling more confident, more curious, or more seen in their desire to pursue a caring path, that’s everything!”

Living Library Youth Participant

“I really enjoyed this program because it helped me learn new skills and made me feel more confident. The speakers were supportive and the activities were helpful.

I have more insight on how to apply for jobs now. I loved the fact that we got real tools for getting positions in the roles we wanted to apply for. Thank you for the support given to me. I have gained many opportunities and pathways from your help.”

Living Library Youth Participant

“It was a great experience to have. I really loved it because it pushed me out of my comfort zone and it taught me a thing or two about myself.”

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