Partners

Employer Community of Practice

A national network helping employers build diverse, high-performing teams by supporting inclusive hiring and career growth for young people facing barriers.

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Unlocking Potential of Young People

Strengthening Employer Success

A national, cross-sector Community of Practice that brings together employers to advance inclusive hiring and career progression for young people facing barriers, while helping employers hire for potential and build resilient, high-performing teams.

Why Now and Why Employers?

As of September 2025, Canada’s youth unemployment rate stands at 14.7%. Behind that statistic are real young people being left behind from meaningful economic opportunity.

The Opportunity

Employers across sectors face talent shortages, retention challenges, and a growing imperative to build inclusive, future-ready workforces. This moment demands coordinated leadership from employers. Not just through good intentions—but through action, insight, and practical change.

What We're Building

A National Employer Community of Practice

This fall, The King’s Trust Canada is launching a national, employer-led Community of Practice.
It will bring together HR leaders, talent strategists, and DEI professionals from across sectors to:

Exchange practical tools and insights

Co-create and test inclusive, skills-first hiring approaches

Advance career progression practices for young people facing systemic barriers

Showcase impact and scale what works

Rooted in a skills-first philosophy, recognizing potential and ability over pedigree, the Community is designed to help employers strengthen their teams while shaping a more inclusive labour market for the next generation.

The Business Case

Inclusive hiring is a strategic opportunity to unlock potential, strengthen teams, and foster sustainable growth, benefiting both your organization and the young people you bring on board.

01

This Isn’t Charity, It’s Strategy

Unlock hidden talent, strengthen performance, and secure long-term competitiveness.

02

Inclusive Hiring Drives Results

Companies that invest in untapped talent pools are more innovative, productive, and resilient.

03

Stronger Teams, Better Outcomes

Inclusive practices boost retention, expand talent pipelines, and enhance overall performance.

04

Lead the Change

Be part of building a talent system that works better — for employers and for young people.

Join Us

Lead the Change

Participation in the Employer Community of Practice is entirely free. We’ve designed this initiative to reduce barriers to collaboration and ensure that any employer committed to inclusive, skills-first hiring can contribute meaningfully, regardless of size or resources.

If your organization is ready to reimagine how young people are hired, retained, and developed—we invite you to join this national movement, shaping the future of workforce development.

To express interest, please contact Nadine Metwaly-Duguay, Director, Partnerships at Nadine.Metwaly-Duguay@kingstrust.ca.