Let’s Chat: More than just ‘tea’ with Generation Z

By Linda Tooth on August 28, 2024.

Those aged 15-30 face unique challenges when it comes to finding part-time or full-time employment. They are coming out of the COVID pandemic and may not understand the importance of communication skills and how to network with potential employers.

Some have come from a world of not leaving their homes due to restrictions and some might not have the education needed for employment. How can we fix that?

The Canada Summer Jobs Grant is an amazing opportunity for those in that age group and employers in the not-for-profit, public and private sectors with 50 or fewer full-time employees to welcome young people into their organizations.

We recently had two returning post-secondary students spend two months with us as they navigate what they would like to do upon graduation from their respective programs. One is completing a bachelor of business administration degree with a major in management and the other is completing a diploma in criminal justice.

When asked what they learned from this not-for-profit they indicated that being part of a healthy and supportive professional team takes work. More importantly, being part of a healthy and supportive trauma-informed professional team takes even more work.

Everyone has different values and ideas. The opportunity to share that within a safe and inclusive space is so important.

Some of the work they took part in was the EvolveMENt educational program. Being out in the community, meeting people of all ages, and making connections is critical as we move forward in a world that we know is challenging.

Social media and the chance to be creative was another huge part of what they did, and we were so thankful for the input of younger people regarding the emerging trends in a facet of social media platforms in the promotion of our organization.

What did we learn as an organization?

There are young people in our community who care and want to be part of a safe and loving world. They have dreams and aspirations and want to make a change.

I have been inundated with videos on social media that have been depicting a difference among generations. For example, Generation X is better than Generation Z, etc. I have personally witnessed that Generation Z is an amazing group and I look forward to what they will bring to the world regarding employment and the change they want to make.

Saying goodbye is tough. Saying goodbye to those who have made a huge difference in a short amount of time is tougher.