The Youth Services Coop (YSC) gives teens their first work experience as well as a lesson in entrepreneurship and the cooperative movement. Above all, it provides participants with an opportunity for a unique group experience that will later help them join the labour force.

Youth Services Coop are small coop-type companies that provide various services within the community (painting, maintenance, grass cutting, etc.). The YSC is managed by a dozen teens who are motivated to create jobs for themselves, get a taste of cooperative entrepreneurship, the democratic functioning of a work cooperative, and the ins-and-outs of the workforce. Through this experience, they develop a sense of responsibility, autonomy, and self-confidence.

In addition to operating as a work coop, the YSC is first and foremost a learning experience. YSC members have access to theoretical and practical training in key areas such as the cooperative movement, different aspects of cooperative entrepreneurship, realities of the labour market, workers rights and labour security.

Members are responsible for managing the company prudently. They sit on the company’s board of directors and take an active part in the various committees: promotion, finance, personnel administration, etc. Some of them even have the opportunity to play a more specific role, such as president, secretary, or treasurer.

The YSC seeks a balance of work, learning, and pleasure within the cooperative. Members are encouraged to take part in financing activities, and community activities, often as volunteers. These activities promote their sense of belonging to a group, self-esteem, and contribution to community life.

For more information, please contact:
Du Parc Y centre: Sophie Ferron 514 271-9622, ext. 205
Hochelaga-Maisonneuve Y centre: Jonathan Alarie 514 255-4651, ext. 2234
West Island Y centre: Natalie Bérubé 514 630-9622, ext. 326