The Youth Employment Program this year had many successful participants who thoroughly enjoyed their summers. These students took 4 online classes with MFS(E)’s Employment, Education & Training Coordinator, Caroline Couture. The students learned about resumes, cover letters, and interview skills. Together with virtual Coordinator, Gisele Shangi-Ellis, Caroline Couture conducted mock interviews and gave feedback on resumes preparing the students for the opportunity to apply for jobs on post. Canadian youth all across Europe were then given the opportunity for a summer job, something that otherwise can be hard to find when posted OUTCAN. Through this opportunity, students gained priceless skills they will use for the rest of their lives. The YEP program consisted of 4 WebEx based classes. In the first class the students worked on building their resumes and in the second class, Ms. Couture showed the students how to properly write a cover letter; a crucial part of all job applications. The students then wrote up their own letters and resume for Ms. Couture to ‘grade.’ After the students completed this assignment, they were given feedback on how to make improvements. The next class tackled everyone's least favorite part of a job application - the interview. We worked on important skills like tone of voice, dress, and preparedness. All of the students were given many opportunities to practice answering tough questions before having to face the real thing. In the final class students who had been successful in being place in a job learned about workplace etiquette. There were summer job openings on bases all across Europe as well as remote online positions. The YEP students submitted their resumes and conducted interviews in the hopes they would get to spend their summer working. Look at what some YEP 2017 students had to say about their time in the program;
Youth Employment Program (YEP) participants, Simon Hopkins and Tyler Hambleton “These skills will help me succeed in the future because it has set me on a path to be able to communicate effectively in a variety of settings…” - Mackenzie Le Vernois “I would recommend YEP to someone else. It is very hard to find a job when your family is posted outside of Canada, so it is a great resource. The course portion is something that will help you with applying for jobs when you return to Canada...They've taught me to be confident during my interviews which has helped me in my day-to-day life as well. You really need to sell yourself and show them why you are the number one candidate.” - Monique Mackenzie All of the student jobs are paid and most are part time so there is plenty of time for travel. If you are interested in participating in this years YEP program, contact Caroline Couture.