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Empowering youth in and from government care in BC

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Life skills

Life skills

When you transition out of care you'll need to know valuable life skills like cooking, cleaning, communication, and budgeting. There are several ways to gain skills and grow your abilities, while still being supported by community groups.

I feel like I don't know enough about living on my own. Does everyone feel this way?

It's normal to feel unprepared or overwhelmed. It's BIG to age out! It's important to stay connected to supportive adults and peers while you transition and after you're on your own.

Some things that could help you transition:

  • Care for your physical and emotional health.
  • A routine you stick with.
  • Relationships through social networks and in-person contact with friends and relatives.
  • Move forward one step at a time

What are life skills?

Life skills are everyday skills that all young adults, not just those from government care, need to know as they become more independent. You can work on a lot of them on this very site!

Here are some key life skills:

Where can I learn life skills?

Some skills can be learned online, but others are best learned when you are faced with them head on! 

Volunteer time gives you hands-on experience that looks great on a resume and helps you with communication skills. You'll be able to connect with mentors and others that share your interests.

Life skills programs can devleop your practical skills like cooking and cleaning. They're usually face-to-face.

Training programs help you learn skills especially for a job. Some offer paid training, internships, and certification too.

What support will I get to take a life skills program?

The Agreements with Young Adults Program. You can take a life skills program and receive living expenses and other supports while doing so. Check out our AYA page for more information. 

How do I find life skills programs near me?

Here are some of our favourites:

In the Lower Mainland

Aunt Leah's Essential Skills Program teaches practical skills through workshops. It's mostly for youth under 19, but all are welcome. 

SOS BC Transitions to Adulthood provides one-to-one support for young adults under 25, with a focus on life skills, training, and leadership.

The YWCA Strive Program helps former youth in care under 25 build life and job skills.

All over BC

BladeRunners helps youth and young adults around BC gain life skills, job training and certification. 

Get Youth Working includes about a month of classroom training and another month of on-the-job training. There are locations around BC.

BC 2-1-1 is a great way to find programs in your area. Use these search words:

  • Life skills
  • Job training
  • Skills training
  • Job readiness
  • Internship

Insider Tip

If you live in the Lower Mainland, you can text 2-1-1 every afternoon between 3:30 – 11pm. Get up-to-date resources sent to your phone.

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