Green Horizons: Navigating Career Paths for Barriered Youth
Opening Doors to Opportunity
Are you a young person facing barriers to employment? Green Horizons helps you gain meaningful work experience, build skills, and explore career opportunities in a supportive and inclusive environment. This program is specifically designed for youth from equity-seeking communities, including Indigenous youth, racialized youth, newcomers, 2SLGBTQI+ youth, and youth with disabilities.
Program Details
Green Horizons placements run from June 2, 2025, to March 15, 2026. Placements last between 4 and 12 weeks, ideally full-time at 40 hours per week. Employers can receive 50% wage reimbursement (up to $7,000–$9,000 per placement) to support hiring local youth. A portion of this, $1,000, is available for wrap-around services such as transportation, childcare, disability supports, and materials. Youth participants should complete employment skills training before or during their placement to maximize success. This program is open to Calgary-based employers hiring Calgary-based job seekers.
- Paid work placements (4–12 weeks)
- Pre-employment training included
- 50% wage reimbursement for employers (up to $9,000)
- Extra $1,000 support for transportation, childcare & accessibility
Who Can Participate?
Green Horizons is open to Calgary-based youth aged 15–30 who are legally entitled to work in Canada. Participants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or hold refugee status. Most importantly, participants should self-identify as facing barriers to employment, including:
- Members of Indigenous communities
- Racialized youth
- 2SLGBTQI+ youth
- Newcomers to Canada
- Youth with disabilities
This program is designed to help young people overcome systemic challenges, gain valuable work experience, and connect with employers who value diverse perspectives.
What You Will Gain
Through Green Horizons, participants gain much more than a job—they gain a career-building experience. You’ll have the opportunity to:
Pre-Employment Training
Build essential skills to succeed in the workplace and prepare for your career.
Work Experience
Gain hands-on experience in real job environments that match your interests and goals.
Support Services
Access transportation, childcare, disability-related supports, and emergency assistance to ensure your placement is successful.
Career Pathways
Explore new industries, expand your network, and open doors to long-term employment opportunities.
Employers benefit too, by welcoming motivated young talent into their teams, receiving wage support, and contributing to a more inclusive, diverse workforce.
Green Horizons is more than a work placement—it’s a pathway to your future. Whether you’re looking to explore a new career, gain practical experience, or build confidence in the workplace, this program offers the guidance, support, and opportunities you need to succeed.
Take the first step today
Key Highlights at a Glance
A quick overview of the most important details about the Green Horizons program for both youth participants and employers.
- Placement Dates: June 2, 2025 – March 15, 2026
- Placement: 4–12 weeks, ideally full-time
- Wage Support: 50% reimbursement, up to $7,000–$9,000
- Extra Support: Up to $1,000 for wrap-around services
- Eligibility: Youth 15–30 from barriered communities
- Who Can Apply: Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQI+, newcomers, or youth with disabilities
- Training: Employment skills training required
- Location: Calgary-based employers hiring local youth
Interested to Apply?
For Youth Participants
Are you 15–30, facing barriers to employment, and ready to gain valuable work experience? Green Horizons can help you build skills, connect with local employers, and explore your career path.
For Employers
Looking to hire Calgary youth and access wage reimbursement while supporting barriered youth? Green Horizons provides funding, training support, and a pool of motivated local job seekers.
For questions about the program or application process, contact:
Celine Horrocks
Phone: (403) 906-3132
Email:
chorrocks@eco.ca |
pathways@eco.ca
For questions about posting jobs or uploading to the Job Board, email:
