Recognizing RBC Future Launch, empowering the youth of today, for the jobs of tomorrow

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Lives are changed at Calgary Counselling Centre (CCC). Not just through counselling, but by the practical, hands-on job experience students and young adults are provided each year. CCC trains students every year in the counselling field, as well as the areas of information technology, communications and marketing, and research. These students gain valuable work experience thanks to generous donors like RBC who are committed to helping young Canadians prepare for a changing workforce, by increasing access to work related programs, tools, and resources. This past year, CCC received $50,000 from the RBC Future Launch Program, which focuses four main pillars for youth: getting work experience, gaining new skills, growing their network, and enhancing their mental well-being.

“I’ve had the opportunity to improve my skills in research and have learned more about the field generally. This program is so valuable to young professionals entering their careers!”

— RBC Future Launch program participant

For the past three years, Calgary Counselling Centre, has been a proud participant of the RBC Future Launch program. From May 2020 to May 2021, 32 youth, ages 18-29 worked at CCC and 14 youth volunteered.

Some of the highlights and testimonials from the program this year were:

  • Two Bachelor of Social Work students worked in our Research Department from September 2020 to April 2021, learning and developing skills in the use of research to provide clients with the best possible results through counselling. They each completed a comprehensive research project during their work term and presented to CCC staff.

  • Youth counselling students (interns and residents) provided virtual counselling and mental health services (online or by telephone) to people of all ages during the project timeline. This direct client contact provided very valuable exposure and experience to working in the mental health sector.

  • A youth working in IT was provided opportunities to gain skills such as responding to support desk help tickets and the implementation of new organizational wide technology projects.

  • A youth working in administration was involved in an important major project transitioning HR paper files into the new electronic system, gaining valuable HR, data entry and records management skills.

“The program helped me grow in ways I could not have imagined. Meeting new people and getting different perspectives has enhanced my competency.”

— RBC Future Launch program participant

The young adults that work or volunteer at CCC are given unique opportunities to gain experience, develop skills, receive mentorship, and build their professional networks. The RBC Future Launch Program ensures that we can continue to provide these opportunities to young people and help them prepare for the workforce in their chosen career fields.

Thank you, RBC, for your generous commitment to young Canadians and their future.


NewsKatherine Hurtig