Youth Employment & Social Services Program (YESS)

youth women in trades employment program (yesS)

The YESS program is designed to help women youth develop the skills and experience they need to successfully transition into the labor market. It provides support to youth, especially those facing barriers, by helping them develop skills, knowledge, and networks through education, hands-on training, and meaningful work experiences.

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for the Youth Women in Trades Employment Program (YESS), applicants must:

Be female youth between 15 – 30 years old.
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person (as per IRPA regulations).
Be legally entitled to work in Canada.
Be legally entitled to work according to provincial and territorial legislation.
Provide valid identity proof (e.g., Passport, PR Card, Canadian Driver’s License, etc.).
Have a valid SIN (Social Insurance Number).

Program Highlights:

Five Distinct Micro-Credentials – Graduates will earn a Construction Ready Recognition of Achievement.
Safety Certifications – Students will be equipped with essential safety certifications required for the industry.
Hands-On Training – A blend of theoretical instruction and practical experience.
Industry Collaboration – Developed with input from industry professionals to meet current market demands.
Transportation Allowance – Support for travel expenses.
Attendance Allowance & Completion Bonus – Incentives for program participation and successful completion.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of this program can pursue entry-level positions in various trades, including:

Construction Craft Workers
General Laborers
Electrical Helpers
Plumbing Helpers
Carpentry Helpers
Energy Efficiency Technicians

The program provides foundational skills, preparing students for employment in high-demand sectors of the trades industry. This program is aimed at supporting women in trades by offering education, training, and employment opportunities.

Regulatory Approval:
Our program is fully accredited by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training, ensuring the highest standards of education and training excellence.

Embark on a rewarding career path in skilled trades with our comprehensive YESS program. Join us at ACE Community College and become a skilled professional in this essential industry. Enroll today to ignite your future success.

Prior to Acceptance:

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program.

Name of English language assessment/test		Minimum score(s)/level(s)*
1.	International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic	Minimum overall score of 5.5
2.	Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT	Minimum overall score of 46
3.	Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)	Minimum overall score of 40
4.	Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)	Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5.
5.	Duolingo English Test (DET)	Minimum overall score of 95
6.	Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic	Minimum overall score of 43
7.	Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) Institutions may include other Cambridge Qualifications at a higher level (i.e., C2 Proficiency (CPE)).	Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
8.	Cambridge Linguaskill	Minimum overall B2 level
9.	LANGUAGECERT Academic	Minimum overall B2 level
10.	The Michigan English Test (MET)	Minimum overall B2 level
11.	iTEP Academic	Minimum overall score of 3.5
12.	EIKEN	Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1

OR

High School Credential

Evidence that 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12), or 2 years of secondary education (including English 10 and 11 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher) from a country where English is one of the principal languages

OR

Other Criteria

2 years of full-time post-secondary education have been completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages.

OR

Mature Domestic Students:

This option applies only if:
The program’s language of instruction is English.
The applicant is a mature domestic student facing barriers.
The applicant is unable to access their educational records or provide sufficient proof of secondary/post-secondary education.
Accuplacer Assessment:
- Applicants must be [X] years or older at the start of the program and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Must provide attestation of completing at least three years of full-time education in English in a country where English is one of the primary languages (ELL courses do not count).
- Must achieve the following minimum scores on the Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation):
  - Reading: 230
  - Writing: 230
  - WritePlacer: 4

AND

Math Proficiency Requirements : Successful completion of provincially recognized Grade 10, 11, or 12 Mathematics with a minimum passing score of C.

OR

Successful completion of a math assessment conducted in-house by Ace Community College with a minimum score of 50%.

Program Outline

Week	Dates	Topics Covered
Week 1	April 7 – April 11, 2025	Orientation & Trades Exploration – Construction Electrician
Week 2	April 14 – April 18, 2025	Trades Exploration – Green Energy
Week 3	April 21 – April 25, 2025	Trades Exploration – SST (Skilled Trades Safety Training)
Week 4	April 28 – May 2, 2025	One-on-One Resume Workshop
Week 5	May 5 – May 9, 2025	Trades Exploration – Plumbing
Week 6	May 12 – May 16, 2025	Trades Exploration – Carpentry
Week 7	May 19 – May 23, 2025	Employability Skills Training & Employer Event
Week 8	May 26 – May 30, 2025	Skilled Trades & Occupational Certifications
Week 9	June 2 – June 6, 2025	Construction Trades Site Visits
Week 10	June 9 – June 13, 2025	Job Search Skills Training & Graduation
Weeks 11 – 16	June 16 – July 25, 2025	Quality Employment Opportunity (QEO) – Hands-On Work Experience

This structured curriculum ensures students receive a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge, hands-on practice, and industry exposure to prepare them for employment in skilled trades.

Program Structure

Program Details	Information
Start Date	April 7, 2025
Graduation Date	July 28, 2025
Class Hours	Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Modality	In-person
Duration	16 weeks
Hands-on Training	Yes
Venue	Ace Community College, 9486 120 Street, Surrey, BC, V3V 4B9