Sophie's Co-op Takeaways from SEED

Over the past four months, I have had such an incredible experience working with SEED. I have been able to see firsthand the great work that this organization does and how the youth can benefit from the services offered. Whether it be through learning and practicing new skills or connecting with other people, there are so many ways to grow, not just as a professional, but as a young adult.  

For young people, the workforce can be a brand new territory and it is important that they have the support in place when navigating it for the first time. It has been very inspiring to see the team take such a youth-centered approach, meeting them where they are at and helping them to create and achieve their goals. I have come to appreciate the importance of accessibility when it comes to delivering these resources. Since the Youth Employability Program is an outreach program and Skills2SucSEED is a virtual program, youth from anywhere in the province can participate regardless of their location. The support is also tailored to suit each individual’s needs and goals. Youth not only learn new skills, but they also get to apply these skills in the real world. This approach allows them to feel supported as they take the next steps to accomplish their goals and gain the confidence needed to continue growing.

As a co-op student at SEED, I found it very helpful being exposed to work that centers around developing employability. Being able to apply academic skills in a practical setting gives university students a sense of what day to day life is like in certain careers, and it has certainly helped my understanding of what career options can look like in my field. I feel that I have gained a lot more knowledge in the area of employability and the types of opportunities that are available to young people. I am so grateful for everything that I learned during my time with SEED and am very excited to apply this knowledge as I continue to navigate my own career path.

-Sophie Ashton, Co-op Student