Young Volunteers

If you are between the ages of 16 and 29 and want to develop new skills while working on a project of your own design, the Young Volunteers program is for you. This is your opportunity to gain hands-on work experience.

No matter whether you want to create your own business or become a self-employed worker, this program allows you to try out a business project and test your entrepreneurial skills, motivation and determination through activities similar to those involved in a business start-up.

You'll have access to the expertise of volunteer local resources along with ongoing support designed to foster your new skills.

To take part in the program:

• you must be between the ages of 16 and 29 and be having trouble getting a job, mainly because of a significant lack of experience
• you must devote at least 20 hours a week to your project
• you must not hold a job that requires you to work 20 hours or more a week
• you must not be enrolled in full-time studies

Present your project to an assistance officer at your Services Québec office

First, meet with an assistance officer at your Services Québec office to discuss your project. If the Young Volunteers program meets your needs, you will be given all the information, documents and assistance needed to develop your project.

Find a mentor with relevant experience

Next, partner with a mentor that has experience with the type of project you want to carry out. Your mentor can be a private business, a non-profit organization, or a self-employed worker.

Pitch your project to a committee composed of volunteers from your community

Finally, you must pitch your project to a committee made up of volunteers from your community. You will be accompanied by the mentor with whom you're working. The committee will assess your project and recommend that it be approved or rejected.

Make an appointment with an assistance officer at your Services Québec office to discuss your project.

Is any financial assistance available?

You could receive an allowance and an operating budget for project-related expenses, and be reimbursed for such costs such as child care, transportation and training expenses.

What kind of time commitment is required?

At least 20 hours per week, for a period of 9 to 52 weeks.