Healthy Communities • Y Stories
YMCA named one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People
17 January 2020 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
This prestigious award goes to organizations that offer the nation's best workplaces and programs for young people just starting their careers. We believe our Y earns it year after year thanks to all of those young people who channel their big dreams, skills, and talents towards our charity. So to celebrate our 10th win, we’re giving the spotlight to two inspiring young team members, Chelsea and Kristopher, who launched their careers at the Y.
Putting down roots
The Y was a big part of Chelsea and Kristopher’s childhoods.
“I grew up as a Y child,” says Chelsea. She went to YMCA Child Care, took Y swim lessons, and went to camp with us. She even dreamed of having a career at the Y, just like her mom, who’s worked with our charity for over 30 years. “I always remember thinking, ‘wow, she works with great people,’ or ‘they must have fun when they’re at work,’” recalls Chelsea.
Kristop
her agrees: “I always found the environment so welcoming and friendly. I used to go to the Y every night after school to play basketball or workout.” Eventually, he started volunteering in the conditioning room, teaching other teens how to use the exercise equipment, keeping them motivated, and helping them build up their confidence.
Building new experiences and skills
While pursuing their education, Chelsea and Kristopher found opportunities at the Y to gain work experience and learn new skills.
“When I was in high school, one of my first summer jobs was at the North York YMCA as a summer camp counsellor,” says Chelsea. “It was through my summer camp experience that I realized I wanted to work with children as part of my career.” After earning a Diploma in Early Childhood Education (with Honours!), Chelsea landed a full-time job in child care at the very same YMCA where she discovered her passion for working with kids.
Kristopher’s volunteer experience with the Y helped him launch his career. “The Y matched my eagerness and provided me with training after training,” he says. “Before I knew it, I was a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor.” When he went on to pursue a Master’s in Health Science, Kristopher earned the YMCA’s staff development scholarship, which helped fund his studies. “The Y was always so amazing at providing me new ways to grow in the health and fitness industry.”
Feeling grateful
“Working at the Y has always brought so much joy to my life,” says Chelsea. “Working with kind, generous, and helpful people every day only makes you want to better yourself even more. In my role, I also get to meet some pretty amazing children and families, which makes coming to work even better.”
Kristopher agrees: “It feels great to work for a charity that cares just as much about my success as it does its own. It’s been rewarding to not only see how the Y has played such a major role in developing my career, but also every young person who becomes involved with the Y as a member, volunteer, and staff.”
Join a charity where you’re free to be yourself, and encouraged to create that feeling of belonging for your whole community. Check out the current employment opportunities at the YMCA of Greater Toronto.
Putting down roots
The Y was a big part of Chelsea and Kristopher’s childhoods.
“I grew up as a Y child,” says Chelsea. She went to YMCA Child Care, took Y swim lessons, and went to camp with us. She even dreamed of having a career at the Y, just like her mom, who’s worked with our charity for over 30 years. “I always remember thinking, ‘wow, she works with great people,’ or ‘they must have fun when they’re at work,’” recalls Chelsea.
Kristop
her agrees: “I always found the environment so welcoming and friendly. I used to go to the Y every night after school to play basketball or workout.” Eventually, he started volunteering in the conditioning room, teaching other teens how to use the exercise equipment, keeping them motivated, and helping them build up their confidence.Building new experiences and skills
While pursuing their education, Chelsea and Kristopher found opportunities at the Y to gain work experience and learn new skills.
“When I was in high school, one of my first summer jobs was at the North York YMCA as a summer camp counsellor,” says Chelsea. “It was through my summer camp experience that I realized I wanted to work with children as part of my career.” After earning a Diploma in Early Childhood Education (with Honours!), Chelsea landed a full-time job in child care at the very same YMCA where she discovered her passion for working with kids.
Kristopher’s volunteer experience with the Y helped him launch his career. “The Y matched my eagerness and provided me with training after training,” he says. “Before I knew it, I was a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor.” When he went on to pursue a Master’s in Health Science, Kristopher earned the YMCA’s staff development scholarship, which helped fund his studies. “The Y was always so amazing at providing me new ways to grow in the health and fitness industry.”
Feeling grateful
“Working at the Y has always brought so much joy to my life,” says Chelsea. “Working with kind, generous, and helpful people every day only makes you want to better yourself even more. In my role, I also get to meet some pretty amazing children and families, which makes coming to work even better.”
Kristopher agrees: “It feels great to work for a charity that cares just as much about my success as it does its own. It’s been rewarding to not only see how the Y has played such a major role in developing my career, but also every young person who becomes involved with the Y as a member, volunteer, and staff.”
Join a charity where you’re free to be yourself, and encouraged to create that feeling of belonging for your whole community. Check out the current employment opportunities at the YMCA of Greater Toronto.
