Programs

OECT offers a variety of different programs and initiatives for crown ward youth. Check out these programs that are available for YOU!

More content coming soon…

Pathways

There are many different pathways to choose from. You can consider:

Deciding which pathway is best for you can be tricky. Here are some resources to help you make your decisions and to get you started!!

Post-secondary Education

Deciding on your future career can be a very exciting process. If you are thinking about College or University, there are a lot of resources available to help you make this plunge and submit your application!

“What if I haven’t finished High School yet?”

If you’re under 18…

If you’re 18 or over…

We can help you to make an informed decision: get more information and find out what considerations may be important (PDF 1.1 Mb).

Trades and Apprenticeships

If you are thinking about trades or apprenticeships, there are lots of options available for you!

Visit the “With trades and apprenticeships” page.

Employment

For more resources, visit the “Finding a job” page.

Resources

Initiatives

Believe it Achieve it

Believe it Achieve it is a semi-annual event run by the Waterloo Wellington OECT Team. Youth from our region attend a full day of workshops, speakers and the opportunity to talk with different employers/post secondary institutions.  Youth report that they enjoy the opportunity to connect with one another and the prizes and  food are also great!

Working at Heights Certification

OECT Waterloo Wellington has partnered with Second Chance Employment Counseling to provide Forklift (Tow Motor) Certification for (current and former) youth in extended society care. If you are interested, please contact your worker to sign up.

Smart Serve–Safe Food Handling

Smart Serve is industry recognized training for people who are working in restaurants and bars that serve alcohol. This training is FREE for (current and former) youth in extended society careand looks GREAT on a Resume! If you are interested in working in a licensed restaurant or bar then talk to your worker!!

Safe Food Handling is also industry recognized training for people working in the service industry where they handle food. This training is also FREE for (current and former) youth in extended society care. If you are interested in this contact your Worker.

University 3000

UNIV3000 is a partnership created with the University of Guelph, UNIV3000 Civic engagement and Global Citizenship Program. This is a partnership formed between our youth and University students. Meetings take place once a week for 2 hours in a group setting. The group (4 youth, 4 students) work together to plan a half day March break event. Our youth develop leadership skills, project planning understanding, strong positive peer relationships, and gain a ton of exposure to a post-secondary setting!

Youth Advisory Board

What is the Youth Advisory Board (YAB)?

The Youth Advisory Board or YAB is a group composed of enthusiastic youth who are in care. The YAB is unique because they have a direct influence and input on the planning, initiatives, events and advocacy for youth living in care. The YAB is also involved in a direct call to action for both local and provincial governments.

Why Join?

In being a member of the YAB, you will have the opportunity to provide your opinion on several topics that impact both yourself and the agencies that support you. The opinions of the YAB are then recorded and passed onto decision making individuals within the agency. You also get the opportunity to attend some great events such as Toronto Youth Hearings and WE Day.

Recent Projects:

The Youth Leaving Care video is the result of an enthusiastic group of youth who came together to capture the realities of youth living in care facing the prospect of ‘aging out’ of the foster care system. This was their attempt to add their voice to a provincial campaign advocating for additional supports for foster youth. This 7-minute video is a must see!

Financial Literacy Program

The Financial Literacy Program is available to all youth 16 and older who have been in care for one full year. Youth will learn some basic financial skills related to independence. This course will assist them in meeting one of the four requirements to access their OCBe (Ontario Child Benefit Equivalent) Savings. If you have not yet completed financial literacy, please speak with your worker!

Financial Literacy

The Financial Literacy Program is available to all youth 16 and older who have been in care for one full year. Youth will learn some basic financial skills related to independence. This group will assist them in meeting one of the four requirements to access their OCBe (Ontario Child Benefit Equivalent) Savings. If you’re interested in attending this amazing opportunity, please speak with your worker!

OECT Symposium

On March 6, 2018, the OECT of Waterloo-Wellington hosted their 6th annual Symposium bringing together Regional OECTs and community partners. We explored and discussed pathways to employment, and transitions to post secondary. Participants had the opportunity to hear a keynote address “Make Your Own Lunch” by speaker Ryan Porter.

This engaging presentation was about empowering and guiding youth, the question – what do you want to be when you grow up? Attendees included regional OECT teams, community partners, and Ministry representation.

Transportation:

Budget Support:

Visit the Getting money for school page.

Counselling Support:

Visit the Resources page.

Food Resources:

Recreation:

Accessibility Services:

Health:

  • Aftercare Benefits – Contact your worker (or your former worker/agency) to get enrolled in the program.

Mental Health Resources:

Visit the Resources page.

Crisis Support, After-hours, Suicide Safety Plans

Visit the Resources page.