Skills Training Employment Program (CAN-STEP)
For Autistic job seekers in the Lower Mainland (ages 16+) & Kelowna (ages 15-30)!
Apply NowTake a meaningful STEP towards employment.
Gain valuable pre-employment skills and hands-on work experience with a focus on the hospitality industry.
Participants will receive 5 weeks of classroom training* and 120 hours of work experience.
*In Vancouver, length of classroom training varies per participant and is determined on a case-by-case basis.
CAN youth and adult programs are for individuals who self-identify as Autistic. A formal diagnosis is not required.
What to expect
Led by our Employment Facilitators, CAN-STEP begins in the classroom:
Participants learn pre-employment skills, such as resume & cover letter building, interviewing, workplace communication, time management and more.
Participants will gain certifications in courses such as SuperHost customer service training, First Aid, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), FOODSAFE, and more!
- Five weeks of classroom training*
- Up to five days per week of in-person classroom training in our Vancouver or Kelowna office
- Classroom format with 8-10 participants
- Workshops, discussions, group work & individual work
- Participants will receive a lunch stipend during classroom training
*In Vancouver, participants will work with Employment Facilitators to select from a range of workshops. Completion of the full 5 weeks of classroom training is optional based on each individual’s career goals and employment training needs.
Once participants complete their classroom component, they receive a 120-hour work experience placement to be completed over 6 weeks or more.
With a focus on the hospitality industry, possible placements include restaurants, cafes, hotels, theatres, community attractions.
- Six weeks or more; hours may vary*
- Opportunities available across the Lower Mainland and Kelowna
- Transportation and work attire stipends available (eligibility-dependent)
- Onsite support provided by CAN staff
- Participants will be placed individually into their work experiences
- Participants are paid for the hours worked during their work experience placement
*Assuming a 20-hr work week (120 hrs total). If an employer has an opportunity that is less than 20 hrs/week, the work experience may be longer than six weeks
What you need to know
In order to join CAN-STEP, participants must meet the following requirements at the time of the program start.
- Ages 16+ in Vancouver; Ages 15-30 in Kelowna
- Self-identify as being on the autism spectrum
- Not registered in secondary or post-secondary school
- Unemployed or precariously employed
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or granted refugee status
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Committed to the entirety of your chosen schedule
- Interested in working in the hospitality industry
Questions? Contact us at step@canucksautism.ca. Other eligibility requirements may apply.
CAN-STEP is an unique program designed specifically for youth and adults on the autism spectrum working towards independence in their career journey.
Our Employment Facilitators are ready to tailor the program experience to meet your needs. They conduct one-on-one career planning and guidance to help discover your strengths, talents, skills, and employment needs.
Our employer engagement team works with employers to create work experiences and employment opportunities for job seekers, while working with participants on-the-job to ensure they are successful in their placements.
If you believe you may require specific adaptations or accommodations to comfortably participate, contact us at step@canucksautism.ca.
We’ve recorded an info session that provides an overview of the CAN-STEP program and covers our most frequently asked questions.
Email step@canucksautism.ca for a recording.
Vancouver: This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities.
