Partnering to Build Youth Job Skills

Case Study: Kal Tire

Kal Tire, Canada’s largest independently owned tire dealer, was keen to establish a national partnership with a charitable organization. The right partner would have: the ability to provide lasting value through a long-term program, a presence in many of the communities where Kal Tire operates, a proven track record, and programs aligned with the issues that matter to the company and its employees, such as education, families and youth.

The company chose to partner with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada (BGCC) and create a new program that will provide essential pre-employment job skills training and job shadowing opportunities for youth. Titled “Skilled4Success,” this pilot program helps youth become skilled for a career, whether in the skilled trades or other career disciplines.

Kal Tire created an internal committee that worked with BGCC to develop training resources, market the program, and create metrics to measure program success. The company also has an ongoing role presenting at workshops and offering youth hands-on job shadowing experience at Kal Tire stores.

“This marks a great opportunity to showcase a variety of careers for young Canadians, including skilled trades,” said Kevin McCarty, Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator for Kal Tire. “Our goal was to create a partnership where Kal Tire could play a role in helping youth build valuable job skills and successful careers.”