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Finding strength in the face of difficultly takes courage and ambition. At YW’s IHCS, we see the potential in women and gender diverse people and provide opportunities for them to build their future with employment and entrepreneurial training.
We provide coaching, guidance, and experience to build a career. Our programs help local women and gender diverse people find their next opportunity and remove barriers to economic security.
IHCS Youth is an employment preparation program for young people between the ages of 15-30 who are experiencing barriers to maintaining or securing employment. Participants receive training and paid work experience in our bricks & clicks social enterprise store, YW Thrift Boutique, where we sell gently-loved accessories, clothing, books, and home decor. Participants will earn minimum wage, equivalent to 30 hours/week for hours attended.
Contact youthemployement@ywkw.ca for more information.
Canadian Career Pathways for Newcomer Women provides opportunities to learn career building skills such as entrepreneurship, e-commerce, and digital marketing for people who have not received Canadian Citizenship yet. Our program supports participants in experiential retail training helping them gain the skills they need to secure employment in a changing economy or explore and develop their own small business ideas.
Contact ccpnw@ywkw.ca for more information.
Uplift is a fully-funded post-secondary certification program for employment-ready individuals to advance their technology skills for immediate employment in specialized technological roles. After graduation participants will be supported in applying these skills and making meaningful contributions to the local workforce.
This online program is delivered in partnership with McMaster Continuing Education, Tellent, and in collaboration of YWCAs across Ontario. Participants will have the opportunity to earn a Certificate Of Professional Learning of Data Analytics, complete the Propeller Experience program and receive wrap-around career support from industry professionals for long-term success. It will enhance the quality of candidates in our local talent pool and fill in-demand roles within our region.
Contact uplift@ywkw.ca for more information.
WatSPEED’s career accelerator programs equip you with the knowledge and experience needed to achieve a new job or promotion in our disruptive workforce. Programs include a blend of technical and professional training, industry engagement and career coaching to enhance your job prospects in high-demand fields.
Contact ihcs@ywkw.ca for more information.
Warriors. Aspiring to end. Gender Based Violence for. Equity and. Security, a cross-functional program to support tenants of Kitchener-Waterloo’s supportive housing and emergency shelter in shaping their future with skills building through life skills, employment, and entrepreneurial exploration.
Contact warriors@ywkw.ca for more information.
For IHCS Programs:
Heather Cowan, Manager of Career Services (226) 751-6898 ihcs@ywkw.ca
For YW Thrift Boutique:
(226) 751-6998 thrift@ywkw.ca
YW Emergency Shelter: (519) 744-0120
Administrative Office
153 Frederick Street
Kitchener, ON N2H 2M2
Phone: (519) 576-8856
Email: general@ywkw.ca
Charitable Number: 118987643RR0001
