Greetings,

It has been an incredible year of reflection, reimagination and recalibration at Prince’s Trust Canada (PTC).

In the face of a worsening youth unemployment crisis, a national skills shortage and rising inflation, our work is perhaps more relevant than ever.

To better understand our path forward and determine how we can best support the communities we serve, we analyzed extensive research to understand the challenges and opportunities – both economic and social – around youth unemployment.  We surveyed and met with youth, community partners, educators, employers, and government officials to understand their points of view on the situation and the potential solutions, so we could identify the space where we could best make an impact while avoiding duplication or competition with other organizations already offering incredible services and support.

What we found led to a complete revamp of our youth programming so that what we offer is future-relevant, laser focused on growth sectors, careers and skills and employment opportunities. Knowing that youth need different solutions and support depending on where they are in their own journey, we are launching a one-of-a-kind, national, one-year, paid program.  You can learn more about this program here.

In Veteran Programming, we focussed on boot camps, workshops, and mentoring. I am particularly proud to share that one of our program participants, aerospace entrepreneur Cole Rosentreter, was the recipient of the prestigious Prince’s Trust Global Sustainability Award for his work bringing cutting-edge drone technology to the skies above wildfires and climate disasters.

Behind the scenes, we have been building a team that reflects the diversity of Canada and the young people we serve, hiring exceptional talent with varied backgrounds. In fact, we decided to not just talk the talk, when it came to hiring equity-deserving youth and those furthest away from the labour market, but to also walk the walk, when we advertised for an entry-level role with no degree or experience required and encouraged people from diverse backgrounds, including justice-involved youth to apply.  

It was also a busy year of firsts – we were honoured that Jay Patel, a PTC youth representative attended the Coronation of His Majesty The King at Westminster Abbey along with our Board Chair, Mark Fell. We also launched our own TikTok account to ensure that we are able to meet our audience where they are.

Soon, you’ll hear about a unique fundraising campaign, that invests in the future workforce. We simply could not do the work we do and have the ambitious agenda we have, without the support of our donors and volunteers including our Board of Directors.

Everything is moving forward, and I am eager to report back on our success in the coming months. Until then, thank you for your continued support and please don’t hesitate to be in touch.

Farah Mohamed