BC government launches $45 million youth employment program

Apr 13 2021, 9:41 pm

Over 5,000 youth and young adults across British Columbia will have access to skills training and well-paid jobs through the StrongerBC Future Leaders Program, the provincial government announced Tuesday.

Totalling almost $45 million, the program is meant to provide youth and young adults with training, internships, job co-ops and jobs in the growing tech sector, environment and natural resource fields.

“Young people continue to be disproportionally impacted in this pandemic,” said Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon. “This new program creates opportunities that young people need.”

Four BC ministries will invest in the initiative, including the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training.

“Advisor on youth” appointed

The government said that as part of this program, it has also appointed Nelson-Creston MLA Brittny Anderson as “special advisor on youth” to the premier.

The province said that in this role, Anderson “will serve as the point person for young people across government, providing a platform for them to engage directly with the provincial government.”

She is also tasked with working with youth to ensure the government “develops a better understanding of the needs and perspectives of young people” throughout British Columbia.

“Our youth are the future of this province, and our government is working hard to give them every support they need to succeed,” said Anderson. “The job opportunities that come from this program will help young people thrive in every corner of the province.”

Many of the job postings will be posted on the BC government job postings website and through partner organizations, the province said.

Eric ZimmerEric Zimmer

+ News
+ Venture
+ Jobs
ADVERTISEMENT