Success Story – Creating Supports for Saddle Ridge Youth
The youth employment fair held in February 2024 partnered with Trellis, Community Hubs, Genesis Centre, Calgary Public Library, and YMCA to provide a platform for youth to connect with employment resources, network with organizations, and voice their challenges with finding work. Many international students, in particular, shared difficulties in finding work and expressed the need for practical skills training and support.
One international student reached out to a Planet Youth Manager directly, sharing how difficult it is to secure work in today’s environment. This student highlighted the importance of their existing community chat group and expressed a desire to host more events for youth to connect. This moment underscored the fact that small gestures can have a significant impact, highlighting the need to continue building positive connections for youth in this community.
Many high school students also shared the intense pressure they feel when making critical life decisions around education and employment. One student described the overwhelming expectations to excel academically, build a strong resume, secure a job, and make their parents proud. These pressures can negatively impact mental health, sometimes leading to situations youth struggle to overcome alone.
A lot of youth expressed gratitude for the supportive space and community connection. Feedback emphasized the need for ongoing support with employment and mental health resources.
The event specifically revealed a strong desire for first aid training to improve employment opportunities. Planet Youth Calgary responded by offering first aid training for youth aged 16–20, providing them with valuable skills to improve their employment prospects.
This event demonstrated the importance of listening to youth, understanding their challenges, and offering practical support. Planet Youth Calgary aims to use future survey results to better understand the dynamics affecting youth well-being and to develop primary prevention efforts that address these needs.
