Explore careers. Gain real experience. Build confidence.
The Town of Devon’s 4×4 Youth Micro Work Experience Program (pilot for 2026) gives students the opportunity to explore real municipal workplaces through short, supervised summer placements across a variety of departments.
Students selected for the program will complete 16 hours of hands-on experience in a real work environment, take part in a short pre-employment session, learn workplace expectations and explore different career paths within local government.
Placements are educational and supportive, and are designed for students who may be entering the workforce for the first time. No previous work experience is required — just curiosity, effort and a willingness to learn.
This is not a formal job. It is a guided work experience designed to help students build skills for future employment.
Please note, where it indicates TBD on dates, the student has some flexibility in discussion with the participating department. Other dates are fixed accordingly.
Students selected for the program will:
Students who successfully complete their placement will receive a $200 honorarium in recognition of their time and participation.
Program dates: Summer 2026 Time commitment: 16 hours, plus a pre-employment session Compensation: $200 honorarium upon successful completion Location: Town of Devon facilities and work areas Eligibility: Minimum age varies by placement - Devon residents only / registered at a Devon school Application deadline: June 15
Students must submit a short letter, maximum one page, for the role they are most interested in.
The letter should include:
This is not a formal cover letter. School, volunteering, sports, clubs and helping at home all count as experience. Effort, honesty and genuine interest matter more than perfect writing.
Required documents: Short letter of interest Contact person: Ki Wilson at FCSS@devon.ca Deadline: June 15, 2026
When more students apply than there are available spots, shortlisted students may be invited to a brief matching conversation.
These conversations are not formal interviews. They are informal chats to help ensure a good fit between the student, the role and the work environment.
Students selected for a role must attend a mandatory pre-employment session before beginning their placement. The session will cover expectations, program purpose and safety.
Minimum Age: 14
This placement introduces students to how a municipal arena operates behind the scenes. Students support preparation, cleaning, organization and event readiness in public or controlled spaces while observing ice maintenance and event setup processes from a safe distance.
Students do not operate equipment, handle tools, climb ladders or work alone.
This role provides hands-on exposure to how municipal communications are planned, drafted, reviewed and organized. Students support internal communications work while all publishing authority remains with staff.
Students do not post content independently, access accounts or interact with media.
Minimum Age: 15
This split placement introduces students to municipal governance, Council support and workplace health and safety through administrative preparation and education-based tasks.
Students do not participate in governance decisions, inspections, enforcement or confidential work.
Students learn how municipalities support local businesses and economic growth through research, organization and outreach preparation.
Students do not represent the Town externally or engage in negotiations.
This role focuses on observation and storytelling related to the Recycle Depot, helping document its value, challenges and opportunities through photos, notes and reports.
No equipment operation, waste handling or hazardous exposure.
Students learn how finance systems and customer service functions support the community without handling money or confidential information.
No cash handling, payment processing or system access.
Students learn how parks and outdoor spaces are maintained through light, summer-appropriate tasks and observation.
No powered equipment, roadside work or chemical use.
This placement introduces students to how planning, building and engineering support safe community development through office-based tasks and observation.
Students gain behind-the-scenes exposure to community safety, prevention, education and administrative systems without enforcement or emergency response.
No ride-alongs, emergency response, enforcement or equipment use.
Students support the planning and preparation of recreation programs and community events such as Summer Shack and Christmas in the Park.
Students learn how municipal drinking water is treated, tested and communicated through office-based tasks and guided tours.
No chemicals, equipment operation or plant floor work.