What is Skilled4Success?

Skilled4Success is a voluntary program providing youth in Grades 9 to 12 with job skills training, hands-on learning and placement experiences with the ultimate goal being to support youth in building confidence, leadership skills, community connections, and preparing for their first job and/or post-secondary.

Once enrolled in the program, each Leader will choose a stream based on their interests. They will be assigned a placement in their stream and can attend trainings that run once weekly from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Leaders will work closely with a mentor in their placement- a staff in the field who will be responsible for guiding and teaching them. They will gain hands-on experience and be able to practice the skills they have learned through in-class training. All streams will cover topics such as; time management and organization, preparing for an interview, conflict management, and resume and cover letter building. Youth will have the opportunity to attend special training and workshop sessions geared toward their interests which will help them better hone their skills and engage with their peers. Students will gain volunteer hours for their time in the program, receive a leather portfolio, and receive a $100 gift card towards their employment journey in June.

3 Leadership Streams

Child, Youth and Recreation: Tuesdays from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Leaders will focus on working with children, how to lead games and activities, work with recreation staff, and learn how to plan for and facilitate recreational programs for children. Leaders will get First Aid and CPR C training and High Five Healthy Development Training.

Food Services and Hospitality: Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Leaders will work in a kitchen setting, help serve food to members and visitors in Supper Club, learn about food-handling, inventory, and kitchen management, and learn about kitchen safety. Leaders will have the opportunity to get their Food Safety Handling Certificate.

Customer Service and Retail: Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Leaders will work with children, adults, and parents, work directly with BGCL administration, and be a representative for the BGCL. Leaders will have the opportunity to work in community placements with Old Navy, Buffalo Wild Wings and Habitat for Humanity Restore.

NEW! Skilled4Success at Thorndale Youth Clubhouse: Child, Youth and Recreation Stream: Mondays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM

Focus on working with children, how to lead games and activities, work with recreation staff, and learn how to plan for and facilitate recreational programs for children. Leaders will get First Aid and CPR C training and High Five Healthy Development Training.

Skilled4Success is an incredibly unique program that offers participants the opportunity to gain valuable skills and explore different entry-level employment and career options. It also helps Leaders make connections with staff in the Club, with the potential of being hired within some of BGCL’s departments (e.g kitchen, maintenance, camp and recreation).

How to Register

Youth must be members of BGC London to participate.

More Information / Staff Contact

Ontario's Enhanced Vaccination Certificates

Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines, wearing face masks, practicing physical distancing will be required for all those who are participating in Club programs at the Club and at off-site locations. Participants who are 12+ years old must provide proof of vaccination/exemption and identification. This will only be required to be shown to the BGC staff upon sign-in ONCE. BGC staff will not make copies or keep the proof provided; staff will log that proof has been provided and the participant should not have to provide it again.

Some activities are offered in-person. For in-person activities, please read our update in regards to youth 12 to 17 years old and vaccinations - click here.