NextStep
Do you need a job? Want to go back to school? Looking for short-term training? Feeling stuck?
If you’re 16–30 years old, we can help you find your next step.
YWCA NextStep is a free, 12-week experiential program designed to help you set career and life goals, and gain real-world experience through:
- A community project
- Volunteering
- Employment
- Further education
You’ll also receive a completion bonus and additional supports.
Join from anywhere in BC! In-person cohorts in Port Coquitlam and Prince George; virtual option available province-wide
- Six weeks of in-class workshops
- Four weeks of one-to-one support
- Hands-on experience through participation in a community project
- Financial incentives for completion of milestones
- Connections and referrals to wraparound supports based on individual participant needs
- Certifications such as WHMIS, SuperHost, FoodSafe Level 1, Emergency First Aid and Serving It Right
- Personalized action plans and individualized support to achieve them
- Between the ages of 16 and 30 years old
- Unemployed or underemployed
- Legally eligible to work in Canada
- Experiencing barriers to employment or further education
- Willing and able to participate in six weeks of group-based workshops, three days per week
Preference will be given to those supported by BC Employment Assistance.
Next start dates
In-person cohorts in Prince George and Port Coquitlam: September 2, 2025
Virtual cohort open to youth across BC: November 10, 2025
We accept registrations on an ongoing basis.
Interested in joining us?
Pre-register through the link below and a staff member will be in touch with the next steps.
For more information or if you have any accessibility needs, please contact us.
* This program is open to non-binary and gender diverse people. We warmly welcome members of the BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ and Disabled communities.
| YWCA NextStep | Port Coquitlam #305 - 2540 Shaughnessy St, Port Coquitlam nextsteppoco@ywcavan.org | 236 985 4551 Office hours: Monday to Friday | 9:00am - 5:00pm |
YWCA NextStep | Prince George |
