Capstan

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© Karolina Dobiszewska
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Getting Back on Course

Capstan is our flagship program, tailored to young adults seeking professional and personal meaning.

Since its creation in 2014, it has been an undeniable success - as attested by participants. Thanks to this powerful initiative, hundreds of young people have found their path through school, the job market and/or better mental health.

The Capstan program includes a 2-week expedition aboard a sail training vessel, on which participants develop professional and people skills while they discover new interests.

A follow-up of one year allows participants to seek support from our qualified staff, who help them cherish what they have discovered at sea.
 

Participants should be:

  • Aged 18 to 30
  • Canadian citizens or permanent residents
  • Jobless and out of school
  • Looking for a direction in life

Participants will:

  • Get to know themselves under a different light
  • Broaden their horizons in an inclusive team
  • Take on challenges
  • Discover St. Lawrence ecosystems 
  • Learn about maritime professions
  • Prepare for a future that makes sense to them
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What is a ‘capstan’?

A capstan is a vertical axis winch that is traditionally used on tall ships, to pull up the anchor or put ropes under tension.

On board, a capstan allows the crew to work together to lift and support heavy loads.

Our Partners

Are you thinking of going back to school, finding a new job, creating your own business or taking another professional path? Welcome to CJEs.

Investing in Quebec’s youth, the Carrefours jeunesse-emploi du Québec offer various services to job seekers.

They are precious partners of our Capstan program.

Despite significant anxiety, I dared to conquer my fears in front of other participants and crew members. I chose to be vulnerable, step into the unknown and leave my comfort zone once and for all. (...) On board, I felt welcomed as I am, without any judgment - understood and appreciated. (...) What I thought would be an uncomfortable trip into the unknown turned into the greatest journey of all: a journey within.

Karine

Through others, I’ve learnt to know myself, gain self-confidence, understand my limits and my strengths… (...) The boat connected me to the St. Lawrence and its culture (...) Now, the river carries a part of my story and I’m grateful for it. My passion for community and social change has led me back to school.

Amaranta

Each day, we did not know what awaited us. We lived according to the wind and the weather. It was great!

Valérie

Since my return on land, when I need it, I close my eyes and I see this landscape again. The one where the sky and the sea merge, making the horizon line disappear. No matter the storm, it's the quietest landscape in the world

Matilde

I hoped in my heart that Capstan would help me regain confidence in myself and my abilities. That's exactly what happened: I feel that Capstan served as a motivation incubator and a energy.

Charles-Antoine

One day, you decide to put your name on a registration form without really knowing where it will take you. Then, suddenly, you leave for the Capstan adventure. You jump on the sailboat of the unknown to, finally, give a course to your life. Yes! This adventure has changed my life!

Camy-Anne

Partners of the Program

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