360 [4] Youth

A digital skills training program for youth experiencing barriers to employment

360 Holistic Approach

360 [4] Youth was a three-and-a-half-year employment program that specialized in teaching digital media skills and building resiliency among participants to ensure long-term job retention.

Drawing from our artistic roots, Centre[4]Arts made use of art-based learning styles to teach the soft skills that are important in today’s information economy. The program undertook a 360-degree approach to supporting participants, including mental health professionals on the team to address one of the most prevalent barriers to youth employment – mental health challenges.

Employment Training For A Digital Future

This highly successful program provided 15-to 30-year-olds with training and internships focused on digital marketing. Starting an employment program in 2020 in the middle of a pandemic was no easy feat, but the 360 [4] Youth team pivoted, innovated and managed to develop a deeply impactful program that helped to change the lives of its participants.

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Centre[4]Arts is proud to announce that this program successfully completed multiple cohorts and placed over 80% of its participants into full-time employment.

360 [4] Youth‘s success was due in large part to our exceptional team of Julie Shea, Christina Tarsitano, Emily Blum, Aleksandra Lescesen and Kellu Sward, as well as our talented roster of quest facilitators who helped create a model of employment training services that can be used successfully across the province.

A Positive Outcome

At the end of March 2024, Centre[4]Arts concluded the 360 [4] Youth employment program after achieving numerous positive outcomes. A total of 85 young adults participated, with the vast majority securing jobs or returning to school.

One standout feature of this program was its innovative wraparound support, which included access to an Occupational Therapist and a Social Worker. Our holistic approach, focused on both soft skills training and mental health supports, allowed us to address participants’ unique needs while also using arts-based programming to develop crucial skills like communication, creativity, and adaptability.

What's Next?

With the conclusion of this project, Centre[4]Arts is equally excited to announce the launch of its new three-year employment initiative, Digital Pipeline [4] Youth. Building on the prior success of 360 [4] Youth, this new program will continue our focus on digital marketing employment skills training while introducing modern elements such as working with Artificial Intelligence (Al) and compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). These additions reflect the evolving demands of the workforce, ensuring participants will always gain relevant and in-demand skills.

We are proud of the transformative impact of 360 [4] Youth and look forward to building on its legacy to empower more young adults to achieve their professional and educational goals.

360 [4] Youth was developed with support from Service Canada, and in collaboration with PATH Employment Services, the Rotary Club of Hamilton, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and McMaster University.