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Empower3D

An Employment Program for Youth with Disabilities

Empower3D provides youth with disabilities the opportunity to develop skills and gain valuable work experience in the manufacturing sector. We provide wrap-around supports to help participants overcome barriers and transition into the workforce.

youth working with tools

Program Goals

We want our participants to learn transferrable skills so they can find employment or return to school after the completion of the program. We want them to learn about different manufacturing sectors, gain practical and hands-on learning, and receive paid work experience. We want to provide an inclusive and accessible learning environment. And most importantly, we want each participant to be able to enhance their resumes and increase their employability.

Read our Empower3D Success Stories.

Program Overview

Participants join one of ten cohorts between 2025 and 2027.

Our program is divided into two parts:

14 weeks of pre-employment and skills training in a classroom setting (either in person or virtually)
12 weeks of full-time paid work experience in the manufacturing sector

Classroom Learning

The pre-employment and skills training portion of our program takes place over 14 weeks in a classroom setting. Participants join us 3 or 4 days a week (for up to 6 hours per day) either virtually or in person at one of our classrooms in Burnaby, Regina, or Fredericton.

We provide a very small group setting and computers will be available to use in our classrooms.

Assistive Technology assessment are provided to all participants.

Participants learn foundational topics in each class, including:

Personal development: Communication, problem solving, goal setting, and personal growth
Professional development: Resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, labour market research, teamwork, and professional etiquette
Manufacturing skills development: Occupational health and safety, trades math, and technical skills related to the participant’s area of interest

Participants may complete short-term orientation and certification (e.g. First Aid, WHMIS, etc.) and accredited skills training relevant to their employment goals.

Facilitators

Classes are be led by our team of Employment Specialists. Our instructors cater the teaching materials to the individual participants and provide support with everything from resume and cover letter creation, to interviewing, and securing a work experience through our employment partner.

Meet our Employment Specialists: Brad in Regina and Dale in Fredericton.

Our Case Manager supports and checks-in with each participant throughout the program.

Do you want to develop your computer skills? You may be interested in:

Do you need assistive technology? You may be interested in:

Work Experience

We strive to match participants with work placements that align with their skills and interests. However, placement opportunities depend on labor market conditions and employer hiring needs, and we cannot guarantee a specific position or industry. We encourage participants to approach the program with flexibility and an open mind.

Examples of work placement environments may include offices, outdoor community spaces, warehouses, garden nurseries, production facilities, or fabrication shops.

Our work experience placements provide meaningful opportunities and wages that are above the minimum wage.

Our work experience placements provide meaningful opportunities and wages that are above the minimum wage.

Suitable Participants

You might be right if you are able to independently complete program activities with the right Assistive Technology accommodations and if you meet the following criteria:

You are an independent learner who is curious, willing to learn, and highly motivated
You are comfortable with being in a small group setting, interacting with fellow learners and guest speakers, and taking part in small group discussions
You are ready to prepare yourself for employment and can independently set your own employment goals
You can fully commit to 14 weeks of training, attending 3 to 4 sessions per week
You are ready to prepare yourself for 12 weeks of full-time paid work experience
You have no other commitments that will interfere with the program schedule
You’ve done well in school, work, volunteering, or personal projects before. Prior work or volunteer experience is a plus
You have some manufacturing knowledge, and basic computer skills. Basic trades math skills are a bonus
At the completion of the program you are prepared to work in the manufacturing industry, enhance your skills, or go back to school for further education

You might be right for Empower3D if you are able to independently complete program activities with the right Assistive Technology accommodations.

Qualifications Include:

Between 15-30 years of age (inclusive)
Canadian citizen, or permanent resident or a protected person as defined by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
Legally entitled to work in Canada
Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.
Have a self-declared disability
Looking to pursue a career path within the manufacturing sector

Screening Process

Once you have applied, you’ll be invited for a meet and greet so we can ensure you’re the right fit for this program. If you have a resume, we’ll ask you to share it at this time.

a woman working in a manufacturing setting