YMCA of Niagara Expands 10-Week Youth Jobs Program as Ontario Unemployment Hits 15.3%
Updated
Updated · St. Catharines Standard · Jul 2
YMCA of Niagara Expands 10-Week Youth Jobs Program as Ontario Unemployment Hits 15.3%
1 articles · Updated · St. Catharines Standard · Jul 2
Summary
A 10-week pre-employment program at YMCA of Niagara is drawing wait-lists as it targets youth struggling to enter work after the pandemic, focusing first on confidence, self-awareness and support networks rather than resumes.
Ontario's youth unemployment rate stands at 15.3%—tied with British Columbia for the highest in Canada and above the 13.4% national youth rate—while Niagara workforce concerns have persisted despite a local dip to 13.4% in May 2026.
The In Motion & Momentum+ program, run in Niagara for about 18 months, was adapted from a model launched in New Brunswick roughly 12 years ago and shifted to youth to reach people before they become disconnected.
Three modules move participants from personal reflection to community projects and action plans, with referrals coming from Ontario Works, school counsellors and employment services.
YMCA staff say participants have returned to school, found part-time work and built lasting peer support, underscoring broader calls for earlier investment in youth workforce readiness.