Skills Compass

This program ended in 2024. It was funded by Employment and Social Development Canada.

Skills Compass was a four-year $4-million program to help Indigenous and newcomer youth who are currently not in employment, education, or training (NEET) develop the skills and career readiness they need to go back to school or prepare for a career.

What we did:

We brought together six Canadian colleges and institutes from five provinces, service providers, community partners, and employers to deliver tailored training to Indigenous and newcomer youth. Together, we identified common barriers to education and employment opportunities, implemented strategies to improve access to education and training, and provided wrap-around support to help participants define clear career pathways.


A NEET Curriculum Framework

Colleges and institutes now have an extra resource to better tailor their programs to the unique needs of Indigenous and newcomer NEET youth students. The Skill Compass Curriculum Framework highlights key components that make programs relevant and accessible for NEET youth and serves as a guide to improve learning outcomes for more youth beyond the life of the program.

Download the Framework

150+

More than 150 unemployed Indigenous and newcomer youth between the ages 18 to 30 years received education and skills training tailored to their needs

81%

Success Rate! More than 80% of participants completed their upskilling training, paving the way for alternative pathways to education, training, and employment.

96%

of participants reported improvements in their life skills, enabling them to meet labour market needs and contribute to economic growth.

71%

of participants reported improvements in their essential skills.

Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 4
Quality Education
Goal 10
Reduced Inequalities
We are Canada’s skills solution. Our national programs and projects give learners of all ages the tools to meet labour market needs and help drive economic growth. We work across all sectors and give learners accessible opportunities to learn new skills, strengthen the skills they already have, and put their skills to use in new ways.

In partnership with

Skills Compass is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).