Becoming A Member
We sit at the heart of a growing provincial network of members and industry partners, who are based throughout Ontario. They support the needs of young employment seekers across the province.
Our work enables our provincial network of organizations working with young people to strengthen and develop new programming and services for a diverse set of needs. We are youth employment providers, employment training centres, community-based providers, industry specialists, youth and workforce directed research teams, educators, businesses supporting youth employment, and affiliates who are looking to change the youth employment landscape.
Since 1988, our network of over 70 youth employment agencies have been committed to delivering accessible, high quality, outcomes-based employment services to young people to assist them in reaching their employment and life goals.
First Work members are unique in many ways – from joint focus on engaging vulnerable youth populations to our multi-sector partnerships, to our delivery in the most remote parts of Ontario with limited resources, our membership proudly ensures that youth are given quality services to help them achieve meaningful employment.
First Work has continued to evolve over the past decades to remain relevant and to meet the needs of youth and the sector. We value the effort of our membership and the leadership they provide in youth workforce development.
Membership Options
Those eligible for Strategic Membership include:
– Non-Profits – “Community-Based” Organizations (non-legislated)
– Those with a 3-year history of youth employment
– Organizations accepted by motion of the Board
– Organizations “grandfathered” in
Benefits of Strategic Membership include:
– Voting rights at Annual General Meeting and eligibility for Board seats
– Input to and influence of Government Relations that affect youth employment
– Input to and influence of Strategic Communications that affect youth employment
– Influence on and ability to participate in Professional Development activities (e.g., conferences)
Those eligible for Stakeholder Membership include:
– Legislated Non-Profit Groups (Colleges, Universities, Hospitals, Municipalities, Boards of Education)
– Youth Employment Projects (Skills Link operators, United Way, Foundations)
– Other Non-Profits (Unions, Co-ops, Social Enterprises, optional)
Benefits of Stakeholder Membership include:
– Input to and influence of Government Relations that affect youth employment
– Input to and influence of Strategic Communications that affect youth employment
– Influence on and ability to participate in Professional Development activities (e.g., conferences)
Grassroot/Community – Self organized group of individuals pursuing common interests through a volunteer-based, non-profit organization.
Professional – Individual membership (not connected to an organization) for multi-disciplinary practitioners. Set fee.
Student – For individuals enrolled in a post-secondary institution (e.g., college, university, training, apprenticeship program).
