We heard from 250 youth who generated over 300 ideas, that called for their elevated involvement and increased collaborative work with the workforce development organizations, private businesses, funders, educators, and other
government ministries.

The specific ideas emerging from these sessions for stakeholders were increasing diversity and inclusion in recruiting and in workplace settings, and more funding for
internships that lead to permanent employment, flexible and accessible programs for clients seeking career and employment support, and a more consistent, relevant
curriculum for career exploration and employment readiness supports in junior and senior high settings. Including youth voice and decision-making at the table was widely affirmed.

Solutions for the whole economic development sector include working more collaboratively to identify gaps and opportunities. Working towards collective advocacy
and changes that will have the most significant impact on youth, employers, and workforce development organizations emerged out of the conversations and research.

EYEEC sees a role in convening a cross-sector of stakeholders to have real conversations about policies, funding, programs, and focus areas that could address the long-standing youth unemployment and inequitable economic opportunities for young people in Edmonton and hopefully scale this to Alberta as well.