Futureproofing our
Black & Equity-Denied Youth

Labour Market Intervention Strategy (LMIS)

Equipping Black Youth with the Skills, Opportunities and Supports to Thrive in Today's Economy and Lead in the Industries/Sectors of Tomorrow.

Section 1: The Reality

Not a talent gap.
It is a systems gap.

Black Canadians face unemployment at nearly twice the national average, with persistent underrepresentation in STEM, leadership, and high-growth sectors like technology, AI, and clean tech. Structural inequities continue to limit access to good jobs.

2x

Unemployment Rate for Black Canadians

STEM Underrepresentation

Economic Impact: Billions to Canada's GDP

Objectives

  • Provide Career Exposure and Exploration Opportunities in Priority Economic Industries such as Technology/AI, Cybersecurity, Clean Tech, Advanced Manufacturing, Skilled Trades and more.
  • Equip Black, equity-denied, and justice-involved youth with essential skills, aptitude and knowledge to succeed in the workforce.
  • Foster partnerships between academic institutions, students, and employers to create inclusive pathways to economic empowerment.
  • Address systemic barriers and disparities in navigating educational and career opportunities.
  • Driving measurable sustainable impact for Black and Equity-Denied Youth and Strengthening Canada's Economy.

Our Education-To-Employment Approach

Directly Connecting In-school Learning to the Skills Employers Need

Bridging classroom learning with real-world work experiences

01

01. Career Foundations

  • • "Hire" Learning
  • • Academic Proficiency
  • • Industry and Sector-Specific Curriculum, Instruction and Training
02

02. Career Launch

  • • Exposure to Post-Secondary
  • • Exposure to Corporate Canada
  • • Exposure to Skilled Trades
03

03. Career Advance

  • • Co-op Placements
  • • Internships
  • • Job Placements
04

04. Career Innovate

  • • Pathways to Entrepreneurship
05

05. Career Connect

  • • Experiential Learning Events i.e. Summits & Conferences

Key
Activities

Actionable interventions designed to mitigate the opportunity gap for racialized and under-resourced communities.

Employability Workshops
Skills Training
Career Incubators
Workplace Visits
In-School Conversations
University/College Tours
Networking Sessions
Mentorship Sessions
Career Connect Conference

The Cost of Inaction

23.4%

Black Youth Unemployment Rate (vs 12% for non-racialized)

$500M

Annual GDP loss for every 1% increase in youth unemployment

$18.5B

Projected GDP loss by 2034 if trends persist

The Value of Inclusion

228,000

Jobs could be created by closing the gap

$4 - $6

ROI in social & economic benefits for every $1 invested

30%

Reduction in Justice system costs via improved participation

Section 4: Mission Objectives

Equip Black, equity-denied, and justice-involved youth with essential skills, aptitude, and knowledge to succeed in the workforce.

Foster partnerships between academic institutions, students, and employers to create inclusive pathways to economic empowerment.

Address systemic barriers and disparities in navigating educational and career opportunities.

Future-proof Canada's prosperity by investing in strategic workforce planning for Black youth.

Stakeholders - Join the YAAACE Labour Market Coalition

Investing in Black Youth is not Charity - it is sound economic policy, strategic workforce planning, builds safer communities and future-proofs Canada's prosperity.

Framework for Collaboration

Convene Stakeholders Policy & Research Education & Readiness Employers & Corporate Leadership Technology & Innovation

Turn insight into opportunity.

mnguyen@yaaace.com

Join us in building readiness, representation, and opportunity for Black youth in Canada’s future economy.