Written by Denielle Guinto Community Liaison
Laying down the ground work now can truly make for a smoother transition in the months ahead.
Fall is an especially busy time for many employers. Retail and logistics organizations begin shifting into fall and winter operations, seasonal attractions start recruiting for their next hiring cycle, and professional services organizations gear up to finish year-end objectives while planning for the year ahead.
At the same time, students are wrapping up summer employment and returning to school. The good news is that with the right planning and resources, employers can stay ahead of the competition, build a strong talent pipeline and connect with motivated young workers before hiring demand peaks.
How We Can Help
Recruitment Assistance
The YEC offers recruitment support at three different levels, allowing employers to choose the approach that best suits their needs. Our social media platforms are a trusted source of employment opportunities for youth across Calgary and serve as a primary channel for promoting job opportunities.
Beyond job promotion, we can also provide pre-screening support to help employers identify suitable candidates more efficiently. For organizations hiring for multiple positions, our team can coordinate exclusive hiring events that allow employers to meet youth in person while we handle the logistics and preparation. We also host Calgary's largest youth hiring fair each year and are always looking for star employers to participate.
Career Exploration
Career exploration activities provide employers with opportunities to share their knowledge, showcase career pathways, and engage directly with youth.
Throughout the year, the YEC hosts Living Library sessions, where industry professionals participate as "living books" in panel discussions that help youth learn about different occupations and industries.
We also coordinate informational interviews, giving youth the chance to connect one-on-one with working professionals to gain career insights and advice. In collaboration with the United Way of Calgary, Journey Forward employers can further support youth by introducing career pathways through presentations delivered at schools across Calgary.
Employer Showcase
A YEC Employer Showcase celebrates employers that make a positive impact on Calgary's youth workforce. Featured employers may be highlighted through the Employer Spotlight blog, helping raise awareness of their workplace culture and opportunities.
We can also help facilitate virtual Q&A sessions, which are often valuable introductions ahead of hiring campaigns, job postings or exclusive hiring events. These opportunities help young people better understand the breadth of careers available to them while allowing employers to build awareness and excitement around upcoming opportunities.
Funding Programs and Financial Incentives
Programs such as the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive, Student Work Placement Program, and Canada Summer Jobs can help employers offset hiring costs while creating meaningful opportunities for young talent.
Fall is an ideal time to begin exploring programs like the Student Work Placement Program, as placements can align with fall, winter, or spring post-secondary semesters. Other programs, such as Canada Summer Jobs, operate on seasonal application periods and often require planning well in advance.
Employers should keep track of application intake dates, as many funding opportunities begin accepting applications for future hiring cycles during the fall and winter months
Visit calgary.ca/yec/employers more information
about these employer services and resources.