Youth Career Catalyst
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Program Overview
Funded by the Government of Canada under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy program, Outward Bound Canada’s Youth Career Catalyst (YCC) is an innovative employment skills program for youth (ages 18-30). We combine outdoor experiential learning, paid supported work experience and an individualized coaching and mentoring program to support those furthest from employment in entering Canada’s workforce.
Outward Bound Canada’s programs offer eligible participants personal and interpersonal development, skill building, employment readiness, resilience and community through time in nature. This allows participants to develop the critical life-skills that are needed more than ever in today’s job market. Our goal is to help each participant unlock their inner potential and achieve success by providing a meaningful and immersive community-learning environment.
Key Details
Program Highlights
About The Program
The YCC program features 3 primary components:
Personalized and structured guidance to help you navigate your career journey. Support begins one month before the in-person training and continues for three months afterward.
Participants spend 26 days away from home, living and learning with a diverse group of peers. The program includes two weeks of experiential workshops, an eight-day outdoor journey, and three days of pre-journey skills training. Throughout the training, they build practical life and employability skills like collaboration, adaptability, communication, problem solving, and job readiness. A Standard First Aid & CPR certification course is also part of the program. Participants receive a training stipend for the in person portion of training.
Job search support, career coaching, expedited interview opportunities, and employer wage funding.
After training, participants work with YCC staff to secure a work experience that aligns with their skills, education, and interests. They receive personalized one-on-one mentoring, coaching, and job search and application support to help them identify career goals and compete confidently in the job market. Participants may also access expedited interview opportunities through our network of partner employers. Employers who hire YCC participants can receive wage funding for up to 14 weeks.
*Note: Housing and relocation costs aren’t covered, though some employers may offer/provide staff accommodations.
Our Unique, Experiential Approach
Participants learn by doing through a mix of outdoor experiences and hands-on workshops. A large part of the program takes place outside, where time in nature helps build teamwork, confidence, and problem-solving skills. On indoor days, the learning stays active and practical. Instead of traditional classroom lectures, participants join group activities, guided conversations, and real tasks like building resumes or practicing interviews. The focus is on experiential learning that supports both personal and professional growth.
Through hands-on and group activities in both outdoors and indoors settings, participants build collaboration, adaptability, communication, problem-solving, conflict management, resilience, and leadership skills.
Participants compete a Standard First Aid certification course and develop region-specific outdoor and practical skills that strengthen initiative, judgement, and decision making, and situational awareness in real-world settings.
Participants practice goal setting, career planning, workplace communication, resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies through active, applied activities.
Application Process
Sign up and attend a mandatory Info Session. After the session, you’ll receive an access code to start your application.
Use your access code to fill out the online application.
If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview and asked to complete a medical screening.
If selected for the program, you’ll receive an acceptance email along with your Welcome Package (program details, packing lists, and everything you need to get ready).
- A Facilitator will schedule your first online coaching or mentoring session
- Attend a Pre-Program Orientation Session
- Complete final paperwork (travel forms, cabin preferences, and any remaining documents)
You’re all set to begin your YCC journey!
Eligibility
This program is designed to support individuals facing unique challenges related to employment. If you meet all of the following criteria, you are eligible to apply:
*Note: Preference will be given to those experiencing multiple barriers to employment.
- Between 18 and 30 years of age at the start of the program
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act with a work permit
- Not currently employed
- Not currently attending or registered for a school or formal training program.
- Not currently in an apprenticeship or intern role
Program Readiness
This program is designed to be an inviting and supportive experience, and can be a good fit for individuals who are ready to undertake an intensive multi-day experience away from regular routines and support. To help determine whether it is a good fit for you, potential applicants are asked to attend an Online Information Session prior to applying.
Sign up for Info session- motivated to find employment.
- looking for change, personal growth and skill development.
- currently at a place/stage in their life where they are ready and able to step out of their comfort zone and expand their personal capacity; physically, emotionally and mentally.
- willing to learn new skills and explore new ideas.
- equipped with tools and strategies to take care of their own health and wellbeing.
- comfortable being in an outdoor environment and/or are willing to experience extended time living and learning in a backcountry setting.
- open to adventure and experiential learning.
- willing to engage in a community living environment with 10-25 other youth of different backgrounds; sleeping in tents and cabins; cooking outside on a fire or camp stove; having limited access to showers or modern bathroom facilities.
- prepared to be away from home for 26 days without access to electronics for some of that time
Program LOcationS & Dates
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
2026 Program Dates:
- BC – April 19-May 14, 2026 (application deadline February 15)
- AB – May 31-June 25, 2026 (application deadline March 30)
- ON – June 27-July 22, 2026 (application deadline April 26)
*Reminder: Attending an Online Information Session is the first step in the application process .
We Champion Diversity
We welcome applications from young adults who may face extra challenges in the job market, including limited work experience, financial pressures, difficulty accessing training, discrimination, or other socio-economic barriers. As part of our commitment to equity, we prioritize applicants from equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous, Black, and racialized youth, 2SLGBTQ+ youth, newcomers, and people with disabilities.
Financial Support
The YCC is a paid employment training program. Participants receive compensation during the in-person training, and modest travel subsidies are available for those who need support getting to and from the training location. After the training phase, participants are supported in finding paid employment as part of the supported work experience component.
Ready To Apply?
For any program-specific questions, please contact: youthcareercatalyst@outwardbound.ca.
Are you an Employer?
If you’re interested in hiring a YCC participant and accessing wage funding to support an entry-level role, click the button below to learn more.