S.T.E.P Forward for Teens

S.T.E.P Forward for Teens (Skills, Training & Employment Pathways) is a year-round work-skills program for youth, ensuring job readiness, work experience & mentorship before graduating high school. 

Through hands-on, work-integrated learning, teens develop practical skills and build the confidence needed to begin planning for their employment pathways after graduation. Teens will leave our program ready to share their skills in their community, at school, at work and at home.

Work and Personal Development

We teach workplace skills with interactive, exciting activities throughout our café and market.

Each person learns all 16 modules: Teamwork, WHMIS, Kitchen Training, Merchandising, Communication, Personal Security, Health, Food and Beverage Preparation, Point of Sale, Safety, Product Knowledge, Cleaning, Customer Service, Personal Hygiene, Food Safety and Sales.

We develop personal skills through activities, conversations and role-playing!

Each person learns all 16 Pillars: Independence/Agency, Respect, Workplace Behaviour, Self-Advocacy, Conflict Resolution, Adapting to Change, Reliability, Time Management, Taking Initiative, Critical Thinking, Constructive Criticism, Boundaries, Efficiency, Leadership, Accountability and Work Ethic

Dreams and Goals

Our method helps each person see their goals and dreams as achievable. We focus on setting fun and practical future goals, including building the foundations of a resume.

By summer's end, everyone will have a journal outlining how they'll keep growing their skills at home and at school.

Year-Round Commitment

Youth continue attending Melly’s during the school year. We offer a refresher training during March Break and each person is encouraged to apply for Workday shifts throughout the school year. receiving regular coaching, performance reviews, and real-world feedback. This ensures each person has a developed résumé, references, and experience applying and interviewing for work prior to graduation.

2025 Applications Open

Summer Program Schedule: July 2nd - August 29th 2025

Tuesday - Friday 9:30am-1:30pm

This program is best suited for candidates between the ages of 16-21, who are still attending high school and who intend to explore employment opportunities after graduating.

Candidates must be able to work independently without needing direct supervision at all times.

Apply below!