Education & Training
“Education is not the filling of a bucket but the lighting of a fire” – William Butler Yeats
Learning is a never-ending journey; one that can take you wherever you want to go. By building literacy, life and social skills, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge that can lead to better grades and job opportunities, and for all of us, a better future for our community.
YMCA Employment Services, Community Initiatives, and Health, Fitness & Aquatics offer workshops, tutorials and training designed and proven to help clients with job search and career decision making, financial planning, youth awareness and health and safety. Read descriptions below and click the red button below each course to learn more, find upcoming dates and times, or register now.
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Youth Job Connection Starts May 24!
YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce Employment Services
During this 3 week program, participants develop essential workplace skills and job search strategies while earning money. This program also includes a paid job placement that matches the participant’s skills and interests, and can lead to long-term employment.
*Eligibility: between 15 and 29 years old, unemployed,not attending full-time school or training, a resident of Ontario

Ace Your Interview
During this live workshop, Employment Advisor Kirby will discuss the different types of interviews, how to prepare for them and tips on answering questions to let your skills shine.

Aquatic Certifications – Bronze, Swim Instructor, National Lifeguard
Our Aquatic Certifications provide you with the necessary training to be a lifeguard and swim instructor at any YMCA in Canada.

Babysitting Course
Learning to care for kids of all ages is a big task and takes practice. Our Babysitting Course covers all areas with a focus on personal safety of the babysitter themselves. Students will develop skills that will help them find and prepare for a babysitting job, care for kids of all ages, deal with difficult situations, help them prepare safe and fun activities, help them make safe choices while babysitting and provide Basic First Aid.

Be Yourself: Self Esteem Workshop
At the YMCA, we believe no young person should be held back from reaching their full potential.

Bully Proof
This dynamic and necessary program is designed to be preventative and proactive, so that children can avoid being bullied, and if they are bullied, know how to stop it. In an interactive, non-threatening manner, children learn how to become ‘Bully-Proofed’.

Cover Letter Basics
This course seeks to be short and to the point – like a good cover letter! We will discuss some basics as to when, how and why to write and include a cover letter with your resume and go over some essential things to remember.

CPR-C/AED/First Aid or Health Care Providers First Aid/CPR-HCP/AED
In partnership with the Lifesaving Society, our Y offers comprehensive training covering all aspects of First Aid and CPR.

Food Safety Training
Learn essential food safety skills with focus on food-borne illness causes and prevention methods.

Home Alone
Home Alone workshop helps your child become ready to be at home alone and prepared for any emergency. Participants learn about how to make safe, smart choices when home alone, how to handle emergencies and what responsibilities come with being home alone.