Our team at the Canadian College of Healthcare and Pharmaceutics (CCHAP) is so proud to celebrate the remarkable success of its recent graduates from the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) Program. In 2025, we were one of the 200 recipients of a YESS grant to train 28 participants (with 25 students registering) from Jan to Oct 2025. Our typical employment rate after graduation is over 75%.
YESS is designed to improve access for youth in Canada, including those with disabilities, youth from official language minority communities, 2SLGBTQI+ , and early-career professionals, by providing the in-demand skills, hands-on training, and industry experience needed to thrive in today’s healthcare workforce. CCHAP was so excited to be selected as part of the program and to help train the next generation of healthcare workers across the country. Through the program, students enrolled in one of four specialized micro-credentials: Phlebotomy, Clinical Research, Health Data Analytics, or Healthcare Management. These micro-credentials equip graduates with both technical knowledge and practical experience, helping them transition smoothly from training to employment.
One of the YESS program’s key strengths is its strong network of employer partners. This year’s graduates secured placements with respected healthcare organizations such as Intrepid, LEVI Walk-In Clinic, Kids Trust Pediatrics, The Specialist Clinic, and Wharton Medical Clinic Clinical Trials. These placements offer students invaluable real-world experience and help bridge the gap between education and employment. The success of this year’s cohort reflects not only their dedication but also the effectiveness of a program designed to remove barriers and open doors for youth who are eager to begin their careers. We want to say a big thank you to all of our employer partners for your continued support.
Dr. Syed Hussain, our college President has been thrilled to see these students taking the first steps in their career. “We’re so proud of every student who completed the YESS program. Each of them showed incredible commitment to finish their studies and commit to the placement with enthusiasm. It’s inspiring to see youth from all backgrounds build their skills and confidence in healthcare. YESS is all about opening doors and creating real opportunities, and they have proven what’s possible when everyone gets the support they deserve. We can’t wait to see where they go from here. We’re eagerly looking forward to more YESS intakes in the future.”
The YESS Program was fully funded for eligible youth between the ages of 18 and 30 who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons, and who are unemployed, not enrolled in school, and not collecting Employment Insurance. By eliminating financial barriers and offering high-quality training aligned with industry needs, our dedicated team at CCHAP continues to empower young people across Canada. As we celebrate this year’s graduates, the college looks forward to welcoming more students into future YESS Programs and helping them take their first steps toward a successful future in healthcare.