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Youth Career Catalyst

SKIP To:

Build your Skills.
Get Paid.
Find Your Path.

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).

Designed for those currently out of school and out of work, we help you bridge the gap to employment by combining outdoor adventure, paid training, and personalized coaching. As part of our supportive community, you will build the critical life skills to thrive in today’s job market and launch your next chapter with confidence.

The YCC Road Map

A five-month journey from where you are to where you want to be.

Your journey begins one month before the in-person training. You’ll work 1-on-1 with a coach to set goals and prepare for the adventure ahead.
You’ll spend 26 days away from home, living and learning with a diverse crew.
  • Build Experience: Includes two weeks of experiential workshops and an outdoor journey (Backpacking, Canoeing or Sea Kayaking).
  • Gain Skills: Build practical life and employability skills like: communication, problem-solving, resume writing, and interviewing
  • Get Certified: Earn your Standard First Aid & CPR certification.
  • Get Paid: Receive a training stipend for this in-person experience.
After you go home, we provide three months of mentorship support to help you gain employment and excel at your new job.
  • Employer Funding: We offer your future employer wage funding for up to 14 weeks to help get you hired.
  • Job Opportunities: Access entry level job opportunities through our network of partner employers.
  • Ongoing Support: Receive 1-on-1 coaching and application support to help you compete confidently in the job market.

How does an outdoor journey help you find employment?

Unlike traditional classrooms, the YCC program focuses on experiential learning. At the heart of our curriculum is a transformative outdoor journey where you aren’t just a participant, you are a key team member. By managing navigation, camp logistics, and peer leadership, you will mirror the real-world challenges of starting a new career. This immersive environment builds the grit and emotional intelligence necessary to transition into your next chapter with confidence, providing you with inspiring stories to share in any job interview.

If you love the idea of our immersive Experiential Learning Workshops, but don’t think the Outdoor Journey is the right fit for you, no problem! We reserve a limited number of spots in our program for individuals to attend the workshops only.

“The knowledge that I am more capable than I give myself credit for, and when it comes to it I can push myself harder than I thought. This can apply to anything else in my life as self-confidence is a must in many endeavors.” – Past Participant

“I feel like I grew a lot every day of this trip. These 26 days were both so long and so short. I think it’s been a great experience. I made amazing new friends, learned my strengths within the workplace and community, fulfilled a leadership role, and came out feeling so much more ready and excited for the job horizons ahead.” – Past Participant

Life and Employability Skills

You will build the collaboration, adaptability, and communication skills essential for any job. By navigating challenges during the training, you will become a more resilient and effective leader who can solve problems and resolve conflict.

Technical Skills

Through hands-on skill building activities and tasks, you will practice the initiative, judgment, and situational awareness needed to make good decisions in your personal and professional life. You will also gain a Standard First Aid certification, an immediate and valuable asset for your resume.

Professional Skills

You will learn to navigate the job market and gain professional skills like goal setting, career planning, and workplace communication, while mastering the resume writing and interview techniques needed to land your next role.

Application Process

Sign up and attend a mandatory information session. After the session, you’ll receive an access code to start your application.
Use your access code to fill out the online application and medical form.
If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited to book an interview with one of our Facilitators.
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 an Info Session:

April 21 at 1pm ET

*Unable to make the Info Session? Click HERE to watch a video recording!

  • 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 Paid In-Person Training  Dates:

  • BC – Sea Kayaking or Coastal Canoeing – April 19-May 14, 2026 (applications closed)
  • AB – Backpacking – May 31-June 25, 2026 (application deadline April 24)
  • ON – Flatwater Canoeing – June 27-July 22, 2026 (application deadline April 26)


*Reminder: Attending an online information session is the first step in the application process . Unable to make the Info Session? Click HERE to watch a video recording!

Looking for additional information? Check out our YCC Info Package below.

View YCC Info Package

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?
Sign up for an online info session

April 21 @ 1pm ET

*Unable to make the Info Session? Click HERE to watch a video recording!
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.

Employer information