About the study

This study explores trainee and supervisor experiences with practicum placements at Kickstand sites, including where additional preparation, support, or training for trainees may be helpful. 

Findings will inform the development of a University of Calgary pilot training program to better prepare students for practicum placements and future work in community-based youth mental health settings.

What are we hoping to learn?

Who are Kickstand trainees and what do they do?

Describe trainee involvement in Kickstand hubs, including disciplines and trainee roles.

How are trainees prepared and supported?

Understand how trainees are prepared for practicum placements, supported during training, and supervised.

What training gaps or opportunities exist?

Describe factors that facilitate or challenge effective supervision of trainees in the Kickstand model.

What additional training would be helpful?

Generate trainee- and supervisor-informed insights to support a pilot training program aligned with IYS principles

Why this study matters

Integrated Youth Services (IYS) relies on a skilled, multidisciplinary workforce. As IYS continues to grow across Canada, learning from trainees’ practicum experiences—and from those who supervise them—can help identify opportunities to better prepare and support future trainees.

Findings from this study will help inform the development of a pilot training program at the University of Calgary.

Stronger training and practicum experiences can contribute to a workforce that is better prepared to support young people accessing IYS services.

diverse group of young people

Integrated Youth Services (IYS)

Integrated Youth Services bring together mental health, substance use health, primary care, and social supports to provide coordinated services for young people.

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Kickstand

Kickstand delivers Integrated Youth Services through a network of sites across Alberta. This study focuses on practicum experiences within Kickstand sites.

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Learning within IYS Settings

This study explores how post-secondary trainees are prepared, supported, and supervised during practicum placements in IYS environments.

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Additional project details

Participation is voluntary. Only members of the research team will have access to individual participant data. Data will be de-identified before analysis, and findings will be reported in a way that protects participants’ confidentiality.

Findings will help identify training, preparation, and support needs and inform the development of a pilot training program. Information will not be used to evaluate individual trainees, supervisors, Kickstand sites, or training programs.

Trainees who complete the survey will receive a $10 e-gift card. Trainees and supervisors who participate in an interview will receive a $25 e-gift card.

Visit our FAQ page or email the research team at IYSTrainingStudy@ucalgary.ca

This study is being conducted by researchers in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine, in collaboration with Kickstand and other partners. The research team is led by Dr. Kyleigh Schraeder and includes collaborators with expertise in youth mental health, Integrated Youth Services, and training and workforce development.

This study has been approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (REB26-1088)