Look for Work

Earning an income can help you be independent. But if you're a youth on your own, finding a job can be tough. Check out these resources if you need help.

Working and earning an income can be an important step on your way to independence.

Having a job will:

• Provide you with money to live on
• Help you practise workplace skills and attitudes, like teamwork, communication skills, and flexibility
• Help you figure out what you like to do and what you’re good at

If you’re living on your own, getting a job is a positive way to make money that doesn’t put you at risk.

First things

Before you start your work search, it’s a good idea to look after the following items:

CAREERinsite is your one-stop guide to career planning. You'll find everything you need to plan your work and learning here.

CAREERinsite

• Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Employers and banks need you to have to have your SIN. To get a SIN, you need a Canadian birth certificate or proof that you’re entitled to be in Canada. Find out how to apply for your SIN.
• Open a bank account. You will need a bank account so you or your employer can deposit your paycheque. Read Youth: Learn to Manage Your Money for more information.
• Decide what kind of work to look for. If you don’t know, start with the career planning process.
• Identify your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Check out the Abilities exercises at CAREERinsite.

If you’re unsure about how to handle any of the items on the First Things list, enrol in one of the job and employment readiness program listed below.

Explore government and community resources.

Job and employment programs

The programs on this page will show you how and where to look for work, and how to succeed once you’re hired.

Provincewide

• Alberta Supports Centres
  Work search and job skills counselling, workshops, job fairs, employer connections and other job search training and events
• Indigenous Youth
  Links to job and employment information and other resources

Calgary

• Youth Employment Centre
  Employment readiness, job search training, and safety tickets
  Call 403-268-2490
• Youth Unlimited
  Employment training with a focus on auto repair
  Call 403-291-3179

Edmonton

• Bissell Centre Employment Services
  Employment readiness and safety tickets
  Call 780-423-2285 ext. 352
• BGS Enterprises
  Employment and work search training
  Call 780-425-6655
• e4c (The Hallway Cafe & Takeaway, formerly Kids in the Hall Bistro)
  Employment training with wages and drop-in school
  Call 780-424-7543
• REE*START Program, John Howard Society
  Employment preparation, support and advocacy
  Call 780-428-7590
• YOUCAN Youth Services
  Pre-employment life skills
  Call 780-444-3348

Red Deer

• Vantage Community Services
  Some employment and life-skills programs and youth counsellors to age 21