Do you need a job? Want to go back to school? Looking for short-term training?

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, Langley, Kelowna and Prince George, virtual options available province-wide. 

 

Program Highlights
  • Seven weeks of in-class workshops
  • Five 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
Participants Must Be
  • 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

Virtual cohort - September 28, October 13, October 19, 2026
Port Coquitlam - October 26, 2026
Prince George - January 4, 2027  
Langley - January 11, 2027
Kelowna - January 11, 2027

 

Register 

or attend an info session to learn more about the program

We accept registrations on an ongoing basis.

YWCA NextStep | Port Coquitlam 

#305 - 2540 Shaughnessy St, Port Coquitlam 
nextstep@ywcabc.org | 236 985 4551
Office hours: Monday to Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

 

YWCA NextStep | Langley

#203 - 20641 Logan Ave, Langley, BC V2Y 2X4
nextstep@ywcabc.org | 236 985 4551

 

YWCA NextStep | Prince George 

#204 - 411 Quebec St, Prince George
nextstep@ywcabc.org | 778 554 0545
Office hours: Monday to Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

 

YWCA NextStep | Kelowna

201-2949 Pandosy St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1W1 (YMCA)
nextstep@ywcabc.org | 236 985 4551

 

For more information or if you have any accessibility needs, please contact us. 

* This program is open to non-binary or gender diverse people. We warmly welcome members of the Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+ and disabled communities.

 

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