OTTAWA, ON, June 19, 2020 /CNW/ - As Canada begins to reopen its economy and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada is renewing its commitment to building a clean energy future, creating good jobs and supporting the natural resources sectors. This includes new job opportunities for youth and students impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, providing them with a strong foundation for their future.
Today, the Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, announced $15.8 million to create green jobs and training opportunities for Canadian youth in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the energy, forestry, mining, earth sciences and clean technology sectors. The funding is part of the $9-billion Government of Canada COVID-19 response for students announced by the Prime Minister on April 22, 2020.
Organizations will provide 500 green job internships, ranging from six to 12 months in length, for youth to gain valuable on-the-job experience and explore careers in the natural resources sectors. Green jobs are now available through four delivery organizations:
The jobs are supported by Natural Resources Canada's Science and Technology Internship Program, part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS). They will enhance the employability skills of workers aged 15 to 30 in STEM, increase the number of skilled young Canadians in the workforce and advance Canada's climate change goals.
Visit the NRCan Green Jobs Program page to apply: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/climate-change/canadas-green-future/green-jobs/87.
Creating green jobs for future generations of Canadian workers helps ensure that Canada's natural resources sectors remain a source of opportunity and prosperity as we transition to a low-carbon economy.
Quotes
"I am excited about this investment in the workforce of tomorrow. By expanding employment and skills development for youth and students, the Government of Canada is providing 500 young Canadians with career experience in fast-growing and future-friendly green jobs. By encouraging employers to hire youth, including northern, remote and Indigenous youth, we are helping build a diverse, qualified labour pool and create a green economy that benefits all Canadians."
The Honourable Seamus O'Regan
Canada's Minister of Natural Resources
"Our government recognizes the importance of investing in our youth, and keeping them connected to the labour market in these extraordinary times. Programs like the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, that help to break down barriers to employment and give young Canadians the support they need to launch meaningful careers in vital sectors like such as clean energy, are paramount to ensuring a strong economic recovery."
The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
"BioTalent Canada is excited to see the Science and Technology Internship Program – Green Jobs continue. Through this program, employers can access wage subsidies to bolster their talent pools. And young, skilled candidates get an opportunity to contribute to Canada's green economy in a tangible way. We look forward to adding to the 62 new grads we've successfully placed to date."
Rob Henderson, President and CEO
BioTalent Canada
"We are thrilled to continue working with NRCan to offer an additional 60 internships in the natural resources sectors through our Career-Launcher Internships Program. In these uncertain times, providing meaningful, paid experiences to new graduates is more important than ever. This will help both youth and employers facing financial challenges as a result of COVID-19 and contribute to Canada's economic recovery post-pandemic."
Denise Amyot, President and CEO
Colleges and Institutes Canada
"Over the past two years of this program we've helped to facilitate placement for 1,109 qualified candidates into meaningful jobs, with $15 million in wages supporting business operations and employment growth across Canada. These are strong outcome results that are extremely positive. As our economy shifts to a skills economy and the retiree gap continues to rise, now more than ever it is important that industry leverages initiatives like the Science and Technology Internship Program to help fill the demand for qualified workers. Employers can tap into new talent to help move their business forward with less financial risk. Furthermore, job seekers reduce barriers to launching their career path. It's a win-win outcome for both."
Kevin Nilsen, President and CEO
ECO Canada
"The S&T Internship Program has given EHRC the ability to partner with new organizations and train and help find employment for youth in some of Canada's remote and rural communities: we've helped dozens of youth transition into green jobs contributing to Canada's economic growth. The feedback from both participants and employers has been tremendously positive. This program is having a positive impact on the growth of the green economy, with individuals and communities seeing the most benefit."
Michelle Branigan, CEO
Electricity Human Resources Canada
Associated Links
- Natural Resources Canada Green Jobs Program
- Youth Employment and Skills Strategy
- Support for students and new grads affected by COVID-19
Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan)
SOURCE Natural Resources Canada
Contacts: Natural Resources Canada, Media Relations, 343-292-6100, [email protected]; Ian Cameron, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, 613-447-3488, [email protected]
Share this article