Pathways to Employment

Brief Description

Pathways to Employment is a 3-month program that will provide hands-on, experiential where possible, traditional teachings and life skills training to youth aged 18-24 in Alexander First Nation to mitigate involvement in criminal activities. The focus will be “soft skills” that are essential for managing daily challenges, improving emotional regulation, and making informed decisions that can lead to successful personal and professional outcomes. These will include things like communication, decision-making, problem- solving, financial literacy, time management, and workplace readiness.

A safe, supportive environment focused on acceptance and life learning, will also support youth developing self-confidence connecting with peers who want to make heathy choices, and fostering a sense of belonging and community. This will help counter feelings of isolation and disconnection, which are often linked to unhealthy behaviors.

Goals

The main objectives of the Pathways to Employment are to:

• Equip youth with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions, navigate common life challenges, and experience more success finding and maintaining employment or pursuing post-secondary education, thus
• Reduce recidivism and other youth involvement in the criminal justice system.

Clientele

The Pathways to Employment program serves youth ages 18-24 in the Alexander First Nation community to mitigate involvement in crime.

Core Components

The Pathways to Employment program will develop youth support training materials that consider youth development research, unique Nation needs and experiences, and cultural considerations.

The program provides a safe, supportive environment focused on acceptance and life learning. This will also support youth developing self-confidence connecting with peers who want to make heathy choices and fostering a sense of belonging and community. This will help counter feelings of isolation and disconnection, which are often linked to unhealthy behaviors.

Implementation Information

Some of the critical elements for the implementation of this program or initiative include the following:

• Organizational requirements: Limited information on this topic.
• Partnerships: Yellowhead Tribal Community Corrections Society, Addictions and Mental Health Services, Employment Skills Program, RCMP/Victim Services
• Training and technical assistance: Limited information on this topic.
• Risk assessment tools: Limited information on this topic.
• Materials & resources: Limited information on this topic.

International Endorsements

The most recognized classification systems of evidence-based crime prevention programs have classified this program or initiative as follows:

• Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development: Not applicable.
• Crime Solutions/OJJDP Model Program Guide: Not applicable.
• SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices: Not applicable.
• Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy: Not applicable.

Gathering Canadian Knowledge

Canadian Implementation Sites

The Pathways to Employment program is operated by Alexander First Nation Employment & Labour Services in the Alexander First Nation and Morinville area.

Main Findings from Canadian Outcome Evaluation Studies

No information available.

Cost Information

No information available.

References

There is no Canadian reference available at this time.

For more information on this program, contact:

Website:

https://alexanderfn.com/programs/employment-hrd/

Loriann Paul, Director

Loriann_paul@yahoo.com