An Employment Program for Youth with Disabilities

Empower3D provides youth with disabilities the opportunity to develop skills and gain valuable work experience in the manufacturing sector. We provide wrap-around supports to help participants overcome barriers and transition into the workforce.

Program Goals

We want our participants to learn transferrable skills so they can find employment or return to school after the completion of the program. We want them to learn about different manufacturing sectors, gain practical and hands-on learning, and receive paid work experience. We want to provide an inclusive and accessible learning environment. And most importantly, we want each participant to be able to enhance their resumes and increase their employability.

Program Overview

Participants will join one of ten cohorts between 2025 and 2027.

Our program is divided into two parts:

• 14-weeks of pre-employment and skills training in a classroom setting (either in person or virtually)
• 12-weeks of full-time paid work experience in the manufacturing sector

Classroom Learning

The pre-employment and skills training portion of our program will take place over 14 weeks in a classroom setting. Participants will join us 3 days a week (for 4 hours per day) either virtually or in person at one of our classrooms in Burnaby, Regina, or Fredericton.

We provide a very small group setting to maximize individual learning. Computers will be available for participants to use in our classrooms.

Assistive Technology assessment will be provided to all participants.

Curriculum

During the pre-employment and skills training portion of our program, participants will learn new foundational topics each class, including:

• Personal development: Communication, problem solving, goal setting, and personal growth
• Professional development: Resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, labour market research, teamwork, and professional etiquette
• Employment skills development: Occupational health and safety, trades math, WHMIS, and PPE

Facilitators

Classes will be led by our team of Employment Specialist. Our instructors will cater the teaching materials to the individual participants and will help them find work experience through our employer partner. Our instructors will support our participants with everything from resume and cover letter creation, to interviewing, and securing a work experience.

Our Case Manager will support and check-in with each participant throughout the program.

Work Experience

We strive to match participants with work placements that align with their skills and interests. However, placement opportunities depend on labor market conditions and employer hiring needs, and we cannot guarantee a specific position or industry. We encourage participants to approach the program with flexibility and an open mind.

Our work experience placements provide meaningful opportunities and wages that are above the minimum wage.

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Need assistive technology? You may be interested in:
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Suitable Participants

You might be right for our program if you are able to independently complete both the 14-week and 12-week portions of our program with the right Assistive Technology accommodations and if you meet the following criteria:

• You are between the ages of 15 and 30 years old
• You are an independent learner who is curious and willing to learn
• You are comfortable with being in a small group setting, interacting with fellow learners and guest speakers, and taking part in in-class assignments and small group discussions
• You can independently set your own employment goals
• You can fully commit to the 26-week program with no other commitments that will interfere with the program schedule
• You are ready to prepare yourself for employment
• At the completion of the program you are prepared to work in the manufacturing industry, enhance your skills, or go back to school for further education

No prior work experience, volunteer experience, technical knowledge, or manufacturing knowledge is required.

Qualifications Include:

• Between 15-30 years of age (inclusive)
• Canadian citizen, or permanent resident or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.
• Have a self-declared disability
• Looking to pursue a career path within the manufacturing sector

Do you have questions about this program?
Contact us

Contact Us

You can contact the office nearest to your location for more information or to apply.

T 604 473 9363
Toll Free 1 877 673 4636
empower3d@neilsquire.ca

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