Step Up!

More than a job program.

Build experience, confidence, and community.

Step Up! is a paid employment program for Montreal residents ages 18–30 that combines training, work experience, and one-on-one support to help young adults prepare for the workforce.

More Than A Job Program

Finding a job is important, but so is having the support and confidence to move forward. Step Up! brings together young adults who are looking for experience, direction, and support as they take the next step in their careers. Along the way, you’ll gain practical experience, develop workplace confidence, and connect with a community that wants to see you succeed.

Is Step Up! right for you?

You don’t need to have everything figured out. Step Up! may be a good fit if you:

Have been applying for jobs but aren’t getting the results you want
Want to gain experience while building your skills and professional network
Are looking for direction and support as you explore your career options
Want hands-on experience in a real workplace environment

If that sounds like you, Step Up! could be the next step you’re looking for.

What You’ll Gain

Real work experience to strengthen your resume
Greater confidence in your skills and abilities
A supportive community of peers working toward similar goals
Professional connections and networking opportunities
A clearer sense of your career direction
Personalized support and guidance from experienced coaches
Practical workplace and job-search skills you can use right away

How the Program Works:

10 weeks of paid employability training
10 weeks of paid work placement
One-on-one support and coaching
Additional digital learning opportunities
Workshops on CV writing, interviewing, communication, networking, and more

You’ll be paid for your active participation throughout the entire 20 weeks.

Ready to Build Experience and Get Paid While You Learn?

Join a supportive group of young adults who are building confidence, developing workplace skills, and taking the next step toward meaningful work.

Our next cohort begins August 31st, 2026!

Applications close July 24th, 2026 (Only 14 participant spots are available)

FREE INFO SESSION on July 10th 2026: Stay tuned for more information!

Take the next step in your career!

Apply Now!

FAQs for PARTICIPANTS

1. How do I know if I’m eligible for Step Up!?

To join Step Up!, you must:

Be 18–30 years old (inclusive)
Live on the island of Montreal
Be currently unemployed with little or no work experience
Be available full-time for 20 weeks
Motivated, ready, and willing to work, learn, and grow
Not be enrolled in school (part-time or full-time)
Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Be eligible to work in Canada and a resident of Quebec – Priority given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents
Have access to a reliable internet connection

2. Does the program pay its participants full time?

Training & Pay

During an uninterrupted 10-week training period, you will receive a weekly allowance, and you may be eligible for reimbursement for certain expenses (transportation and childcare costs, if applicable)

Training runs Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a 1-hour unpaid lunch break each day.

After training, you’ll have the opportunity to land a paid 10-week work placement. If the employer wants to hire you after your work placement, your wage/salary will depend on your skills, experience, the employer’s needs, and current job market rates.

3. What does work placement look like?

Work Placement Overview

During the 10-week training, you will have the chance to interview with employers to secure a paid 10-week work placement once training is complete.

We’ll match you with employers who understand the program and the extra support you may need as you build your professional skills and career.

The paid 10-week work placement aims to connect you with employers who want to keep you on and help you launch your long-term career.

4. Can I participate in the program and work or study part time?

No, you cannot. Our program works by subsidizing participants through 10 weeks of paid training and 10 weeks of work placement.

During the 10-week training period, you will need to be prepared and present (online or in person) for your daily workshops (Monday-Friday, 9:30 am-4:30 pm). The workshops take place twice a day and divided up into different topics and activities. Attendance is mandatory.

Once the training period ends, you have the opportunity to be placed in entry-level position and will be required to work full-time (a minimum of 25 hours, a maximum of 30). The employer will be subsidized by Step Up! for the remaining period of the program’s 10 weeks. Your full-time, active participation is thus required over the entirety of the 20 weeks of training and work placement combined.

5. What kind of jobs will I be placed in?

You will be placed in an entry-level job (minimum of 25 hours/week, maximum 30 hours/week).  We cannot guarantee the type of entry-level position you will receive.

Possible positions include:

Administrative Assistant
Data Entry Clerk
Customer Service Representative
Warehouse Clerk
Secretary

6. Do I need to be a Canadian citizen to sign up for this program?

No, but you must have a valid Canadian social insurance number and the legal right to work in Canada. We accept permanent residents and those with accepted refugee status. (*Priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents)

7. I am receiving government assistance (such as EI or Social Assistance) can I still join the program?

Yes. However, depending on the kind of government assistance you are currently receiving, adjustments to your regular payments will be made by your employment or social assistance agent.

8. I have work experience and/or a post-secondary degree, am I still eligible for the program?

Our approach is to determine each candidate’s needs on a case-by-case basis. Before registering for the program, we will have a one-on-one meeting to assess if the program is a good fit. We assess what barriers you are facing and if this program is well-suited to meet your needs.  If we cannot meet your needs, we do our best to put you in touch with someone who can.  

9. I don’t speak French, am I still eligible for the program?

Yes. The training will be done in English.

FAQs for EMPLOYERS

1. How many hours per week are the work placements?

You will need to guarantee a minimum of 25 hours per week up to a maximum of 30 hours per week for 10 uninterrupted weeks.

2. How do the subsidized payments work?

How do the subsidized payments work?

Wage Subsidy Information for Employers

As a participating employer, you will receive a wage subsidy through YES Employment + Entrepreneurship.

The subsidy amount for the participant’s first 10 weeks depends on factors such as the number of hours worked and the subsidy percentage (typically 50–80% of the current minimum wage).

Step Up! participants will be on your payroll, just like any other employee.

Payment Process:

YES Employment + Entrepreneurship will provide 10 uninterrupted weeks of subsidized wages through direct deposit.

Employers can choose to receive the subsidy:

In one lump sum at the end of the 10 weeks, or

In two installments (one mid-term and one at the end).

Employers must submit the participant’s paystubs to the Step Up! Program Manager before the subsidy can be issued.

3. How does the interview process work?

You can choose to interview as many (or as few) candidates as you like. Once you select who you would like to have placed with your company or organization, we will discuss their wage, subsidy, and the hours you can offer. Alternatively, if you do not find any candidates that meet your needs, we will add you to our STEP UP Referral Network to keep you posted about future cohorts.

4. What happens after the 8-week subsidy period is over?

Continuation After the Subsidy Period

This program is not an internship. The goal is for the participant to continue working with your company once the 10-week subsidy period ends.

After the subsidy concludes, YES Employment + Entrepreneurship will no longer act as an intermediary or provide wage/salary subsidies. The participant would then remain employed directly by your company under your regular payroll and terms.

Employers, looking to fill entry-level positions?

Partner with Step Up! and you’ll get:

Motivated workers seeking full time employment

Reimbursement of 50-80 % of minimum wage for full-time work

The ability to uplift and empower Montreal youth

The chance to build a long-term relationship with a dynamic non-profit organization

Get Involved with Step Up!

Build your team while reducing hiring costs

Step Up! helps employers connect with trained, motivated young adults who are ready to contribute in entry-level roles.

Employers receive a wage subsidy of 50–80% of minimum wage for a 10-week placement, while participants gain valuable work experience and professional skills.

Before placement, participants complete 10 weeks of employability and workplace-readiness training to help set them up for success.

Interested in learning how you as an employer can benefit from this program?

Fill out the form below and someone from the Step Up! team will contact you.

Step Up! Form for Employers

Interested in learning more? Ready to sign up for the program?

Fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch within 48 hours to discuss your eligibility and next steps.