On September 2nd 2025, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, spotlighted Prepr Foundation during a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) press conference while announcing significant funding for youth initiatives aimed at helping the next generation succeed in the economy of the future.
At the center of this announcement: Prepr’s groundbreaking Impact Measurement Blueprint project, funded through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) Strategic Collaborations initiative.
$26 Million+ Investment in Canada's Youth Future
Minister Hajdu addressed Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), highlighting urgent workplace shortages in critical sectors like STEM, environmental science, agriculture, and skilled trades. As part of this national effort, the Government of Canada is investing over $26 million in strategic collaboration projects under Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) Youth Employment and Skills Strategy.
During the conference, Minister Hajdu praised Prepr Foundation, led by Chief Visioneer, Salar Chagpar and Chief Learning Officer, Caitlin McDonough, for its innovative programs and transformative impact on youth employment and upskilling. She emphasized the importance of organizations like Prepr that provide career development opportunities and equip young people with the skills needed to thrive in today’s evolving workforce.
Leading a National Solution to a Critical Gap
Following Minister Hajdu’s remarks, Caitlin McDonough delivered a powerful presentation outlining how, through the YESS Strategic Collaborations funding, Prepr is tackling an essential yet often overlooked aspect: how we measure real impact in youth employment.
The challenge affects our entire sector. Organizations support thousands of young people and celebrate individual success stories, yet struggle to track long-term outcomes consistently. How do we move beyond counting participants and start measuring what really matters: skill development, job quality, and lasting career success?
That’s exactly what our Impact Measurement Blueprint will solve.
Building Tools That Work for Everyone
This national initiative isn’t just about improving Prepr’s own programs. We are working with partners across Canada to co-create a shared approach that any youth-serving organization can use. The Blueprint will provide:
- Practical measurement tools that track outcomes, not just outputs
- Training and support for career practitioners
- Data infrastructure that makes impact tracking manageable
- Shared standards that let organizations learn from each other’s success
"We are excited about Prepr's Impact Measurement Blueprint that will help fill critical data gaps on youth employment... this initiative is going to give us practical tools to strengthen accountability and drive better results for the communities we serve."
Why This Matters: Jobert's Success Story
The presentation included the inspiring story of Jobert, a Prepr alumni who exemplifies why better measurement matters.
After completing his college diploma in 2014 and additional tech training in 2019, Jobert still couldn’t break into his field. He found himself working as a punch press operator, a job that provided stability but didn’t reflect his skills or ambitions.
In 2021, Jobert joined Prepr’s training programs, where personalized mentorship and employment support helped him build the confidence and experience needed to transition into a technology career through Prepr’s Quality Employment Opportunities Initiative. Three years later, he’s thriving as a full-time software developer at KinMe Technologies.
His employer, Robert, told us, “Jobert has become an important part of our team. He is not only a skilled full- stack developer but also a trusted voice who helps us move projects forward… Honestly, we would not be where we are today without him.”
Jobert’s journey demonstrates what is possible with the right support, but it also reveals how challenging it is to track these transformative outcomes systematically across different programs and organizations. The Impact Measurement Blueprint will help us identify what works, replicate success, and spot where improvements are needed.
Proven Results Drive This Vision
This Strategic Collaborations project builds on Prepr’s demonstrated impact. We’ve supported over 230 youth facing barriers in recent programming, with nearly 80% securing jobs in their field. Over 180 participants identified as visible minorities, with significant representation from Black communities, newcomers, and women.
A central focus of the discussion was Prepr’s flagship Flexible Upskilling Network (F.U.N.™) Program, a blended learning experience that supports youth facing employment barriers. The F.U.N.™ Program combines hands-on work experience with accelerated digital skills training, helping participants develop practical workforce skills alongside essentials like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
"The future of Canada's economy depends on empowering our youth with the skills, opportunities, and confidence to succeed. Through programs like F.U.N.™, Prepr is proud to work alongside government and industry partners to prepare the next generation for success."
Making Education Accessible, Making Impact Measurable
At Prepr, we make education accessible through hands-on learning and digital skills training. Youth build transferable skills, showcase their work, gain experience, get hired, and grow in their careers.
Now, through the Impact Measurement Blueprint, we’re extending that same commitment to the entire ecosystem. We’re working with career practitioners and youth-serving organizations to make success measurable and sustainable across Canada’s youth employment sector.
"When we can measure what matters, we can do more of what works, and we can do it together!"
Moving Forward Together
We are deeply grateful to Minister Hajdu, ESDC, and all our partners for their continued support in creating opportunities for young Canadians. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future.
Ready to build skills that lead to real opportunities?
Interested in Prepr's Impact Measurement Blueprint?