Program Goal
Remove barriers for at-risk young adults 18-24, through hands-on training in mechanics and employment skills.
Intended Outcomes
Over the course of 8-weeks, GAP aims to:
- Engage participants in mechanics training, including +90-hours of training and work experience
- Develop participant's communication, collaboration and critical thinking
- Blend hands-on skills with community development through a participant led, community-minded project
- Increase participant's confidence applying and interviewing for jobs
- Equip participants with an understanding of their rights and how to advocate for them in the workplace
- Cultivate a space of equity and inclusion while challenging gender norms in the field of bicycle mechanics
- Develop long-lasting community connections and belonging
Things we’re learning
- Employability skills include more than being able to fix and build a bike. Through one-on-one mentorship, we build up participant's transferable skillsets.
- By fostering community connections, participants become more aware of community resources available to them.
- We are not the experts in everything. We rely on community partners such as the Youth Employment Centre, Integrated Post-Secondary Society of Alberta and Momentum to teach participants about accommodations and personal advocacy, employment rights, job searching and resume building, money management and more.
- For many youth, the program has helped them build the confidence to go seek employment, through our annual hiring fair or on their own.
- By fostering relationships and mentorship, GAP creates and opportunity where participants can imagine themselves stepping into a positive work environment of their own.
GAP Alumni
Participants that have graduated from the GAP program are able to access supports and stay connected to the Two Wheel View community beyond 8-week program. Alumni Nights are held monthly for past participants to continue growing their mechanic skills, learn about employment opportunities, go on group rides, get support in job applications, take part in community projects, and get a hot meal.
