Discover. Explore. Create
Gain Work Experience this Summer
Thinking of getting a job this summer but don’t know where to start? Check out these resources that will direct your search and maybe even inspire you to start your own summer business. You can also upgrade your skills or volunteer your time to prepare for a job in the future.
Summer Jobs
Hear what real students have to say about their experiences with HWDSB’s Focus on Youth Program. Whether or not you join, they explain how working over the summer in any capacity will benefit you and your development in the workforce.
Job Postings Websites
Sign up for Canada Summer Jobs email alerts and job matching to reduce your search time. Take a career quiz to see which types of jobs are right for you. Find career planning advice and training courses to advance your skills.
With Ontario’s Summer Employment Opportunities (SEO) Program, you can find a summer job within a Government Ministry, provincial agency or community group. A bilingual summer opportunities job board is also available.
Look for jobs for students enrolled in school at the secondary or post-secondary level with the City of Hamilton’s Summer Student Program. Having a specific skill, special training or having completed certain courses, like Lifeguard certification, will help you get hired.
Use the tools on Indeed to filter your job search by the type of job you’re looking for and where you want to be hired. Check out this page for temporary summer jobs in the Hamilton area.
Job Opportunities
HWDSB’s “Focus on Youth” summer employment program places students within community organizations in sectors like arts and culture, education, literacy and numeracy and sports and recreation. You can work with children and youth and seniors.
Summer jobs with HPL are for students in grade 9 and above, part-time and flexible. Choose from a variety of positions at your preferred branch.
The Hamilton Health Sciences Secondary School Research Bursary is a 7-week summer internship for high school students interested in pursuing or accepted to post-secondary studies in Health or Life Sciences. Be part of a research team and conduct clinical studies in a professional lab.
No experience working in the outdoors needed! Take the quiz to see which position with Ontario Parks is a good fit for you. First aid certification and having an Ontario Driver’s License (G2) are added bonuses.
If you enjoy working with people and are active and outgoing, a summer job with the Hamilton Conservation Authority may be just the thing for you. Find a position at one of the many conservation areas across Hamilton.
The Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) is an 8-week summer employment program with the Hamilton Police Service that offers high school students hands-on experience in policing, community engagement, leadership and public outreach. Designed for those with little to no previous policing exposure.
The Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) employs hundreds of seasonal staff in positions at their summer camps. Join the outdoor education, camp counsellor or athletic programs team.
Build Skills
Build your employability with these courses, programs and certification opportunities from the HWDSB, HWCDSB and other organizations that help you develop new and strengthen existing academic and professional skills.
HWDSB
These in-person learning programs combine a focus on foundational literacy and numeracy with engaging activities to sharpen your skills in these areas through the summer.
Summer Learning Strategies Courses
Helping you become a stronger, more independent learner, you will learn how to develop and apply personal management skills, and interpersonal and teamwork skills to improve achievement in school and the workplace.
Food Handler Certification Course
If you’re a student in grades 9-12, this is a great way to improve your literacy skills and complete your Food Handler Certification in one week over the summer. It’s an opportunity to build in-demand skills quickly and in a fun way.
HWCDSB
General Interest & Academic Upgrading Programs
Includes computer classes for beginners, computer job readiness training and computer skills upgrading programs. All programs are completely free and are offered on multiple days at various times to fit your schedule.
Earn high school credits and employment training in a number of fields including the culinary arts and personal support work. Participate in the Credits at Work program to earn transferable credits from your existing job.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
The City of Hamilton’s Advanced Leadership Programs are open pathways to careers in community and aquatic recreation. They provide a practical and hands-on approach to help you build skills and apply exiting knowledge to coaching, lifeguard and aquatic lifesaving and first aid positions.
McQuesten Urban Farm workshops run in partnership with Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg
Gain experience in the culinary arts with cooking/ baking and food preservation classes. Have any other workshop ideas? They’re also open to suggestions!
Green Venture, Hamilton’s environmental education non-profit organization, supports students in entering the job market with programs covering skills including public speaking, networking, resumé writing and interviews. Learn more here.
The University of Toronto’s Enrichment and Summer Programs give you the chance to experience first-hand what it’s like to be a university student. Participate in a variety of programs including those in architecture, physics, coding and kinesiology.
Volunteering
WHY VOLUNTEER?
Make connections, meet new people and learn new skills!
Volunteering is more than just a way to earn the 40 volunteer hours you need to graduate. It has lots of positive benefits, acting as a great option for creating a meaningful and worthwhile summer. From building self-esteem and confidence to gaining real-world experiences, volunteering helps you prepare for future opportunities while making a positive impact in your community.
Start a Summer Business
Do you have the entrepreneurial spirit? The Government of Ontario Young Entrepreneurs Program provides grants and advice for students looking to start their own summer business.
