The National Consultation on Career Development (NATCON) has singled out the YMCA of Greater Toronto as exemplary in a research study on “innovative, effective and promising approaches to address barriers to work-related learning for individuals who are not employed.” The research was presented at the National Career Development and Workplace Learning Event, held in Toronto from January 21-23, 2008.

NATCON focuses on career development and workplace learning, spotlighting practices that benefit both individuals and workplaces as a whole. Thirteen YMCA programs (25% of all programs recognized in the study) scored very highly:

• Basic Culinary Skills Development Program
• Federal Public Sector Youth Internship Project (formerly Program)
• Heads Up!
• Job Connect/Summer Job Services
• Learning Opportunities Program
• LINC — Language Assessment Centre/Newcomer Information Centre/Case Management Pilot Project (CMP)/Client Support Services Project (CSS)
• Peel Youth Village — Residential Democratic Program
• Rexdale Pro Tech Media Centre
• Rexdale Youth Resource Centre
• S.P.R.I.N.G. — Supportive, Pre-employment, Resources, Information, Networking, Goals Achievement
• Toronto Sports Leadership Program
• YMCA Academy
• YMCA Sprott House

“Offering effective employment and training programs has been part of the YMCA mission since our inception,” says Scott Haldane, President and CEO. “This recognition illustrates not only the strength of our programs, but how effectively we’ve connected with our members and made a real difference in their lives.”