Thrift & Thrive
Future Leaders Internship Program
This program is a free internship program for youth aged 16-24, offering hands-on retail experience, leadership training, and mentorship at our Coquitlam thrift store.
Youth gain valuable skills in retail, customer service, and cashiering. They also complete leadership workshops, learn financial literacy, and receive mentorship.
This internship inspires confidence, builds skills, and opens doors to new opportunities.
What you’ll gain:
- Volunteer Hours toward graduation
- Retail, customer service, and cashier experience
- Mentorship and professional guidance
- A stronger resume and job prospects
- Leadership skills and financial literacy knowledge
- Celebrate your achievements at our Graduation Party
- A program certificate and reference letter (upon successful completion)
Eligibility
- Ages 16-24
- Able to commute to internship location: 552 Clarke Rd, Coquitlam
- Can focus for at least 30 minutes, follow instructions, and volunteer in a retail environment with minimal to medium one-on-one support
- Able to attend in-person leadership workshops and online mentor check-ins
- Youth who normally have a support worker may participate if the support worker attends training and all shifts (families are responsible for arranging support)
Testimonials
“Being in this program was one of the best things to help me start off in getting work experience and I’d recommend to anyone!”
– Alek
“My biggest takeaways are definitely cashiering experience and being able to get a sense of how working in the retail/customer service industry feels.”
– Fall 2024 Participant
“The staff at Thrift & Fund are so friendly. I was greeted with smiles daily and really enjoyed the energy of the store.”
– Olive
100% of participants reported feeling more confident in themselves and their abilities through their internship experience.
Our Supporters
Air Canada
United Way British Columbia
