Young people across southern Manitoba have access to a free support program this summer through the Manitoba Youth Job Centre (MYJC) operating in Morden, Winkler, Carman, and Portage la Prairie.
Youth Engagement Leader Anna Nikkel serves youth aged 13 to 29 with job-related tools and services from resume preparation to interview coaching.
Help for first-time workers
One of the centre’s signature offerings is the Odd Job Squad, a supervised summer program for youth aged 13 to 16 that introduces them to real-world tasks through short-term, hands-on projects.
“The odd job squad is like a supervised first work or volunteer experience that helps youth gain hands-on career-related skills,” said Nikkel. “Some of the events that we've hosted in the past have included things like Freezy sales, Berry picking, community cleanup or window washing.”
The goal is to ease young teens into employment by building confidence and experience to put on a resumé.
This year’s first event was held in Morden ahead of Canada Day. “We just did a Canada Day window art,” Nikkel shared. “So, we had two youths go out and paint a few windows around Morden, just a few Canada flags and stuff like that.”
Career tools for a wider range
Beyond Odd Job Squad activities, MYJC offers broader career development services available to anyone between the ages of 13 and 29. While the centre once operated as a direct referral service, its focus has shifted toward empowering youth to job hunt independently.
“More of an Information Centre on where to look for job positions and kind of provide students with the job search tips and techniques,” Nikkel explained. “However, we don't actually provide any type of employment or are connected with any of the businesses that are actually hiring.”
That shift hasn’t diminished the depth of support. From mock interviews to tailored resume help, youth can access practical guidance.
“We usually go through some of the word templates that they usually have,” Nikkel said. “And I kind of explain what is expected from employers... including like when you look at a job position online, they typically have specific skills and experience that is required.”
She also stressed that customizing each application to that business is important, “You don't want to typically bring the same resume to each place because each business requires different skills.”
As far as preparing for interviews, the MYJC offers simulated practice sessions. “Then we would kind of do a practice round of having an interview, and I'd give them tips on how they can improve their answers.”
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Getting started
Youth interested in participating in Odd Job Squad events or accessing job prep resources can visit the MYJC’s Morden office or get in touch directly by calling 204-870-2945.
The MYJC office is located at 160 Stephens Street in Morden.