Unemployment in Canada is an increasing challenge, and recent analysis suggest the situation is more serious than it appears on the surface. A December 2024 report by The Tyee reveals that Canada’s unemployment metrics often fail to capture the full extent of the issues. Many Canadians, particularly youth and individuals from marginalized communities, face systemic barriers that keep them out of the workforce. Programs like Reboot Plus are stepping in to bridge these gaps and create meaningful future pathways for youth.
Unmasking the True Unemployment Rate
The headline unemployment figures reported by Statistics Canada often understate the real challenges. They don’t account for people who have stopped looking for work out of frustration or those who are underemployed in precarious, part-time, or low-paying jobs. Youth unemployment is particularly concerning, with many young Canadians struggling to find stable entry-level roles that allow them to explore their career aspirations.
According to The Tyee, marginalized groups, including Indigenous peoples, recent immigrants, and individuals with disabilities, face disproportionately higher unemployment rates. These communities are often excluded from traditional employment pathways due to systemic inequities and a lack of targeted support systems.
How Reboot Plus is Making a Difference
addresses these issues by offering a comprehensive approach to workforce development. The program is designed to help youth who are disengaged in their education or future planning. We provide tailored support, skills development, and opportunities to connect with employers.
- Personalized Career Pathways: Reboot Plus focuses on helping participants identify their strengths and interests. Through one-on-one coaching and workshops, the program helps youth create individualized career plans that align with their values, goals, and the realities of their situation.
- Skills for the Future: Many young people lack access to training that meets the demands of today’s economy. Reboot Plus offers workshops in areas like communication, and problem-solving—skills that are essential in the modern workplace.
- Bridging the Gap to Employment: A significant challenge for many unemployed individuals is a lack of professional networks. Reboot Plus connects participants with local businesses and professionals, who provide informational interviews and shared experiences, alongside networking opportunities. “They get to talk to people who work in the industry who will give their warts and all tales of the work they do.”
- Mental Health and Resilience Support: The psychological toll of uncertainty cannot be ignored. Reboot Plus integrates mental health resources and resilience training into its programming. Participants are more equipped to navigate future challenges with confidence after leaving the program.
Success Stories: Transforming Lives
The impact of Reboot Plus is best seen through the success stories of its participants. One student said:
“When I started the Reboot Plus program, I was a big ball of possibilities. I didn’t know how to figure out which path to follow. My favourite part of the program was just exploring my passions. Most of my friends haven’t had a chance to do this. Instead, they just chose something out of high school. Reboot Plus helped me take a step back and just explore instead of rushing into a career path I wasn’t sure of.”
A Broader Vision for Employment Equity
Programs like Reboot Plus are important for addressing unemployment at its roots. High schools, businesses, and community partners are collaborating to create wrap around supports for youth who have just about given up on being anything. “We encourage that blissfully ignorant, batshit crazy, threading the needle sense of possibility.” Reboot Plus serves as a model for what’s possible when communities come together to tackle youth disengagement.
Take Action Today
We are accepting applications for 2025. Students can apply to the following campuses for the next intake:
Reboot Plus is a youth education and career development program delivered in partnership by Douglas College and PEERs Employment and Education Resources, with expansion to Fanshawe College and College of the North Atlantic.
Participants are vulnerable youth aged 17 to 24 who have not finished high school and do not have a plan for their future. The 16-week program helps participants identify their values, personality, interests and skills, meet with professionals and develop an education and career action plan.
The Reboot Plus project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre.
Le projet Reboot Plus est financé par le Centre des Compétences futures du gouvernement du Canada