Our 5th Youth Effect cohort has come to an end! This winter we had 9 companies complete the program in Northwestern Ontario. This cohort was different than past years due to COVID-19 but everyone adjusted to the changing times with the program being run virtually.
The projects completed over the 15-week course varied greatly from market research to marketing and branding. Below is an overview of each project completed by the youth employee over the program.
Border Giant – Kelsey
Kelsey worked on a research project with the goal of determining what factors influence import duties for the company. She reached out to many local businesses and organizations to have conversations about importing products and their experiences. She also did research on the enforcement of duty collection at the border.
CE Strategies – Brennan
Brennan was intimately involved in CES' client work during his Youth Effect Placement. He supported CES with research, writing, and formatting proposals and reports for a number of clients. He also conducted on-the-job training by taking CES' GIS training courses, after which he was able to support the Mapping team with making maps, digitizing, and improving our training courses.
Ligno Advances – Angela
Angela worked on updating the company website with new content and designs. She also created a catalog and brochure for marketing. Angela researched marketing strategies and designed social media posts and content.
Lynac Lithium – Karson
Karson was tasked with updating digital content including data sheets, social media pages, website, brand, marketing material, product labels, logos and sell sheets. Along with content creation, he revamped the website and social media page feel, flow, and functionality. Karson will be staying on full-time with the company as a digital content manager.
Meaglow – Matthew
Matthew was involved in reworking the electricals and getting electrical certifications for UV-C air purifiers that Meaglow had imported into the region to help with Covid-19. He also worked on a power supply for a plasma source, sourcing parts, doing some of the design, testing circuits, and building the power supply assembly. Matthew will be staying on in a part-time capacity.
Ray Solar – Sinthai
Sinthai worked on computer design, system troubleshooting, battery integration, and system programming throughout the 15 weeks.
Rent Panda – James
James worked on Rent Panda’s social media and website over the program. He helped to craft a new brand and with the successful launch of the new rentpanda.ca. He also helped accelerate company growth by providing much-needed design support and came up with ideas that helped spur new campaigns and products. James will be staying on full-time with the company.
Superior Bakes – Emma
Emma worked on a scale-up for the protein balls and keto cups. During the program, the team successfully completed CFIA validation and sent their first order to Sobeys Manitoba. Emma helped in mastering a new piece of equipment (protein ball machine) which was a huge step in assisting the scale-up process. She also worked with and monitored advertising through Adroll. Emma was able to come up with new strategies and successfully built our virtual trade show booth for the upcoming national trade show. She implemented the PCP plan; Emma will continue full-time with the company.
TBXI – Dante
Dante worked in IT and completed his A+ training and certification. He also worked on ECI programming, connectwise, and office 365 for the company. Dante will be staying full-time.
Thanks to all the youth and companies for participating this cohort! We have just launched another round of Youth Effect which will wrap up in August 2021.
