A Win-Win for Local Employers and Job Seekers: The YEP Advantage!

Times Photo by Nicole Shelstad. NETWORKING: YEP partnering with more than 100 employers across the region.

By Cal Braid
Nicole Shelstad
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Over the years, the Youth Employment Program (YEP) has quietly built a powerful network, partnering with more than 100 employers across the region. Participating employers are the backbone of what allows the YEP program to function. Some establishments—like Coulee Medical/Home Care, Horizon School Division, and the Taber Public Library—have hosted participants multiple times, often turning short-term opportunities into lasting careers.

So, what makes these partnerships such a win-win?

For participants, YEP offers far more than just a paycheque. They step into real workplaces, receive hands-on skills training, and work side-by-side with experienced mentors. The goal isn’t necessarily to stay with the same employer after the program ends—though some lucky ducks do!

Take Megan Moline, for example. She joined YEP in 2019, completing her placement at the Taber Public Library, and was then hired on. Today, she’s been there for five years. “I was struggling with an anxiety disorder, and didn’t know if I’d ever be able to work full-time,” Megan shared. “Through the YEP program, I was able to gain confidence and get support to enter the workforce.” 

 Library Manager Chris Vowles credits YEP for connecting them with a great team member. “Without the YEP program, we wouldn’t have Megan, and she’s such a valuable asset.” Megan has since worked her way up from part-time librarian to full-time assistant manager. Megan had always considered library sciences as a career, but was not 100 percent sure if it could work for her. The cost of schooling was daunting, and without any guarantees that she would like the work after investing so much, held her back from taking action. The YEP program created an opportunity to get her foot in the door. This opportunity may have otherwise never been possible if she didn’t join the YEP program back in 2019. 

The benefits for employers are just as strong. Participants are onboarded like any other employee, contributing their energy, ideas, and dedication from day one. YEP eases the cost of training by reimbursing employers for the participant’s base wages—making it financially easier to give someone a start.

Chris added, “this also allows businesses to test-drive potential employees without a long-term commitment”. As YEP Employment Coach Patt explained, “Not every workplace is a long-term possibility, and that’s okay. This experience can still be used as a stepping stone to their eventual goals”. Maria Knelsen (the most recent YEP student to work at the library) noted her experience through the program” The program helped me solidify what I wanted to do. I plan to start my own business after this and now I feel I have the confidence and skills to do so!”

Megan summed it up best: “I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t been in the YEP program. My career could’ve looked very different, so I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”

Chris quickly added with a smile, “And the library is very grateful for her.”

Whether you’re a business looking to invest in the next generation of workers, or a young person ready to take the first step in your career, YEP proves that when we work together, everyone wins.