JASON SETNYK
Breaking Barriers: A Journey to Employment was the theme of a conference in Cornwall recently, offering a free, half-day program to help people aged 17 to 30 take their next steps into work.
The Eastern Ontario Training Board organized the event with service providers and employers from Cornwall, SDG, and Akwesasne, blending career guidance with mental-health supports and lived-experience stories.
Operations Manager Kimberly Hamilton said the event was created because many youth need more than a standard job-fair setup. “We recognized that many young adults, particularly those aged 17-30, face multiple challenges when entering the workforce,” she said. “Traditional job fairs or information sessions are great opportunities to meet employers or learn about job postings, but they don’t always address the underlying barriers youth encounter — like lack of confidence, limited work experience, uncertainty about workplace expectations, or navigating mental health and life challenges while seeking work.”
Hamilton said youth in the region often describe layered obstacles. “Youth in our region frequently mention barriers like limited work experience, lack of clarity on how to navigate the job market, systemic barriers, and challenges in balancing work with personal responsibilities such as family, housing, or mental health struggles,” she said. Breaking Barriers was planned to respond directly to those realities.
International youth speaker and author Sam Demma delivered the keynote on building confidence and taking initiative. A mental-health practitioner walked participants through strategies for stress management and work-life balance. Youth speakers shared relatable experiences of getting hired and growing through setbacks, and an employer panel explained hiring decisions, workplace expectations, and how to stand out with limited experience. Hamilton said the mix mattered because “this holistic approach equips young adults with the tools, resources, and confidence they need to move from uncertainty to action.”
To reduce practical hurdles, free bus transportation was provided from communities including Akwesasne, Alexandria, Lancaster, Long Sault and Morrisburg.
Hamilton called the first Breaking Barriers a strong foundation. “The event was a tremendous success! We saw strong engagement from both participants and community partners,” she said, noting that 120 youth registered and 70 attended. While pleased with turnout, she said the gap shows where organizers can grow next year by reaching out more directly to schools, service agencies, and young adults ahead of time.
Attendees praised the mix of speakers, employer access and realistic advice, Hamilton added, and employers valued a setting that let them “see potential beyond a résumé.” With support from partners such as Literacy Link Eastern Ontario, Job Zone d’emploi, the Social Development Council of SDGCA, Akwesasne Career and Employment Support Services, local businesses and provincial and federal funders, the coordinating committee plans to build on the model.
“Breaking Barriers achieved its goal of providing youth with the tools, inspiration, and connections to take meaningful steps toward employment,” Hamilton concluded.
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