Pathways for Youth Employment
Tamarack brings people together to strengthen local leadership, build partnerships, and support community-led solutions that improve quality of life. We work alongside youth and families, community organizations, employers, educators, and governments to create conditions for everyone to thrive.
Communities Building Youth Futures (CBYF) is a powerful expression of this work in action. Since 2019, Tamarack has partnered with 20 rural, remote, northern, and Indigenous communities across Turtle Island to support young people as they transition from high school to post-secondary education, training, and employment.
Through CBYF, more than 70,000 young people have participated in local efforts to strengthen belonging, remove barriers, build skills, and create opportunities. Young people have identified barriers, shaped priorities, designed solutions, and influenced decisions that affect their futures.
Communities have shown that a young person's path to education, training, or work depends on more than individual effort. It depends on whether employers, educators, community organizations, health systems, and local leaders are working together to support that journey.
Launched in 2025, Pathways for Youth Employment (PYE) is equipping six communities to develop and test approaches that help youth build skills, strengthen networks, gain work experience, and access meaningful employment opportunities. This work aligns with priorities reflected in Canada's Quality of Life Framework, including social connections, future opportunities, and a sense of belonging.
The stories in this series highlight local examples of youth leadership, mentorship, employer engagement, career exploration, and community innovation. Together, they show how communities are creating stronger pathways to employment and helping young people build the relationships, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive.
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