About us

We’re dedicated to empowering students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the job market. Our expert-designed program bridges the gap between education and employment, helping you take the first step toward a successful career.

Who we are

We are a team of educators, career coaches, and industry professionals committed to helping students transition from the classroom to the workforce. With years of experience in education and career development, we’ve designed a program that equips young people with the essential skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to secure their first job and build a successful career. Our mission is to empower the next generation to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.

Our purpose

Our purpose is to bridge the gap between education and employment for young people. We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or experience. By providing practical skills, valuable certifications, and confidence-building resources, we aim to empower students to take control of their futures and confidently step into the workforce, ready to contribute and thrive.

Does This Sound Familiar?

Write your awesome label here.
  • Lacking the skills employers want? Without clear guidance, it’s hard to know which skills and certifications will truly make you stand out.
  • Feeling left behind? Watching your peers move forward while you’re stuck trying to figure out the first step can be frustrating and discouraging
  • Struggling with a blank resume? You’re eager to land your first job, but starting from scratch feels overwhelming and uncertain.
  • Nervous about interviews? The thought of sitting across from an employer leaves you anxious, unsure how to present yourself with confidence.

You’re not alone.

At JobSpark, we understand what it feels like to be ready for your first job but unsure of where to start. That’s why we’ve created a program that equips you with the tools, skills, and confidence to take that first step and succeed.

Ready to finally land your first job?

Imagine...

  • Gaining valuable certifications: Earning credentials that make your application shine and prove you’re ready for the job.
  • Thriving in your first role: Feeling capable and confident as you navigate the workplace, equipped with skills to succeed from day one.
  • Not stressing about your resume: Having a polished, professional resume that shows off your skills and sets you apart—even with no job experience.
  • Confidence in your interviews: Walking in prepared and self-assured, knowing exactly how to make a great impression on employers.
Write your awesome label here.

We’ve built the roadmap to help you get there,
and we can’t wait to see you succeed.

Trusted Guidance for Your First Job: Build Skills, Confidence, and Success

Landing your first job doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With JobSpark, you'll gain insight into the entry-level job market for teens and those seeking employment. Our proven program is designed to help you develop practical skills and certifications that set you apart from the crowd, build a standout resume, ace interviews, and enter the workforce with confidence, so you can not only apply for your first job but excel from day one

Frequently asked questions

Who is the JobSpark program designed for?

The JobSpark program is specifically designed for high school students who are looking to enter the job market for the first time. It’s ideal for students who have little to no work experience and are eager to develop the skills and confidence needed to secure their first job.

How long does it take to complete the program?

The entire JobSpark program can be completed in just 10 hours, with flexible modules that can be taken at your own pace. Whether you choose to spread it out over a week or complete it in a weekend, the program is designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Is the program entirely online?

Yes, the JobSpark program is fully online, allowing you to access the modules from anywhere at any time. All you need is an internet connection to get started, making it convenient to learn at your own pace.

How does JobSpark help me build a resume if I have no work experience?

JobSpark’s certification program is designed to eliminate those worries by equipping you with the skills and credentials you need to stand out. From crafting a professional resume to mastering job interviews, each module builds practical expertise that employers value. Plus, you’ll earn certifications in areas like retail and customer service, leadership and recreation, and entrepreneurship and marketing — tangible proof of your readiness to excel in your first job. With JobSpark, you’ll gain both the skills and the confidence to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

Meet Our Team

Paul Brown
Founding Partner

Paul Brown has worked as an educator in Ottawa for over 30 years. He has a BA in Criminology from Simon Fraser University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa. The first part of Paul's career was spent working with students who have varying exceptionalities. In the last 20 years of his formal educational career, Paul worked as a guidance counsellor, where he helped guide hundreds of students to achieve both their academic and career goals. A father of four, some of Paul’s accomplishments include being a recipient of the Community Builder of the Year Award by the United Way (Ottawa) for leadership; nominated for the Capital Educators’ Award; and being a finalist for the NFL/CFL High School Coach of the Year. Paul’s passion for seeing students succeed led him to co-develop JobSpark.

Andy Castellarin
Founding Partner

Andy Castellarin is a proud father of three and a graduate of McGill University (B.Ed) with over twenty years of classroom and coaching experience. Over the last two decades, Andy continues to be very active as a volunteer for multiple non-profit organizations within his community. In 2019, he founded the first high school girls tackle football program in Ottawa. In 2020, Andy received the prestigious National Capital Secondary School Athletic Association’s (NCSSAA) Leadership in Sport Award. And in 2021, he joined the newly formed Ontario Football Female Development Committee. Andy devotes his time creating opportunities to engage youth, and it is this passion that led him to co-create JobSpark.
Created with