Prerequisite Inclusion: Step One: Learn to Lead and experience or strong interest in working with children with diverse abilities.

Prerequisite Aquatics: Step One: Learn to Lead and Bronze Medallion

Application Required: Yes

Interview Required: Yes

Resume Required Upon Interview: Yes

Cost: FREE

Honorarium:

Inclusion Services $600.00 cheque upon successful completion

Aquatics $300.00 credit towards advanced Aquatic Course plus a one-month Saanich Access Pass

Commitment

Inclusion: Four Weeks

Aquatics: Two Weeks

Time:

Inclusion Services: 8:45am to 4:15pm Monday To Friday

Aquatics Department: 8:45am to 4:15pm Monday To Friday

Months Running: July and August

Mandatory Training Dates:
June 5, from 5:30 to 8:30pm.
July 2, 3 ,4 and 5, from 10:00am to 3:00pm

Placement Locations: Copley Park West, Marigold Park, Meadow Park, Reynolds Park, Horner Park, Maynard Park, Saanich Commonwealth Place and Gordon Head Recreation Centre.

Youth Professional Email Required: Yes – Why is this required? Please read below

Youth Independent Communication Required: Yes – Why is this required? Please read below

Helping youth in our community prepare for their future is something Saanich Youth Services has the privilege of doing. Step Two: Lead to Succeed is an enhanced work experience placement that is an evolution of the Learn to Lead program completed last summer. The reason that we require independent communication between the youth, and WYLD Program Coordinators is to prepare them for employment and post-secondary education.

When youth receive their first employment opportunity they will be communicating with the payroll and human resources departments alongside their supervisors. To ensure the privacy of all individuals, the employer will only communicate with the employee and not the parent/ guardian. Each Step Two: Lead to Succeed Applicant must create their own professional email. This dynamic helps youth gain confidence and clear understanding of professional written documentation. So, we begin this style of communication, now.

In appreciation for family’s busy schedules, we understand the appeal to have parents and guardians CC’d on emails. However, this removes the requirement for youth to initiate conversations about their schedules, and important info that needs to be relayed to parents. Stepping back from coordinating communication and schedules for your teen may feel uncomfortable at first.  However, there is so much learning in this concept for youth and we have seen it pay off greatly. We provide professional communication tips and tricks for all WYLD Leaders accepted into the program. We explain to youth that we understand texting is much easier, but most employers use email.  The fact that we have a relationship with every youth in this second step program means it’s far less intimidating, so what a great place to start.

For Step Two: Lead to Succeed, all communication must be written and sent through the WYLD Leaders email. Setting an alarm each day can be a helpful reminder to get in the habit of checking email and youth checking in with their parent/ guardian. By assisting behind the scenes, parents are still involved in the communication, but the official send and reply is coming from the WYLD Leader.

Experience Required: Must have completed at least two weeks of Step One: Learn To Lead Summer 2023. Our WYLD program coordinators will be looking to see how each WYLD Leader has developed over the school year. What leadership opportunities have you taken initiative on? Are you actively involved in extra-curricular activities, school leadership, community leadership, coach in training, referee programs, volunteering, and babysitting? What did you learn from your previous WYLD Placement? What are you hoping to learn if accepted into Step Two: Lead to Succeed +?

This new speciality hands-on work experience program is for WYLD Leaders who are interested in specialty areas such as aquatics, inclusion services and our new leisure friend pilot program. An extension of step one with more goal setting, curriculum completion and independence. This program is designed for Step Two candidates who exhibit exceptional leadership skills and a strong desire to work in inclusion services or an aquatics department. Plan to take initiative to learn new skills, gain confidence in independently completing tasks in specialty areas, and the important aspects of working in a team environment. This is a specific goal oriented, focused and enhanced paid work experience. Leadership coordinators and staff mentors will guide you through daily and weekly expectations in your curriculum workbook and help you achieve all that you set out to do.

Inclusion Stream: In this speciality stream, WYLD Leaders will work 1:1 with an inclusion leader. Learn the strategies to support children in programs who are successful with 1:1 leader support. As you gain confidence and knowledge you will start to branch off and support children 1:1 in small group settings with the support of your mentors.

Aquatic Stream: In this speciality stream, WYLD Leaders will have the opportunity to be fully immersed in all thing’s aquatics. Working alongside a variety of aquatic team mentors you will learn what it’s like to be a lifeguard and fun leader. Observe the management of pool emergency drills, first aids and maintenance, fun swims, swimming lessons and so much more.