In partnership with the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, the Golden Rotary Cub offer local youth impacted by COVID-19 the opportunity to participate in a hands-on and paid learning program.
The program is doing one final round of intakes, with applications due on Nov. 24, 2020. It will run from Dec. 10 to March 31 and includes multiple levels of training.
The program is federally and provincially funded, but administered through Rotary, as a way to assist youth in the community during COVID and to help their professional development by providing meaningful skills and offering the opportunity to achieve different certifications.
“We’ve offered a lot of soft skills in the past through Interact, but this was an opportunity to take that stuff and flesh it out and provide certifications for it,” said Greg Ehman, youth services chair for the Golden Rotary Club.
“It’s a tremendous opportunity for youth to provide for the community and build a sense of confidence as well as their skills, which they will be able to use going forward in life.”
The program emphasized community engagement, with participants working on tasks ranging from covering up graffiti to volunteering with Abbeyfield House and Little Mittens.
Participants will receive a monthly payment of $2,000 during each month of the program and must participate in and complete all training programs and projects to qualify for the monthly payment.
Participants will receive 16 weeks of online and small group classroom-based learning combined with hands-on, practical delivery of a variety of community service projects.
Participants work an average of 16 hours hours per week including two to four hours after school, some evenings and most Saturdays.
“I think it’s an excellent program and a great segue into programs like Rotary and Interact,” said Georgia Gale, who is currently wrapping up her 16 weeks and was one of the first participants in the first round of intakes.
“I would highly recommend the program.
“It’s been a great experience for everyone in the program, including myself.”
Through the program, participants will acquire valuable skills and shared experiences by working to build and strengthen their community.
Applicants must be between 15-25 years of age and currently unemployed or underemployed, which is defined as working less than 20 hours per week.
To apply, submit a short letter outlining interest in the program and reasons for applying, as well as your name, age, address, phone and email.
They must also be prepared to develop skills by working on a board
Participants must have access to stable Internet source.
Laptops for use during the program will be provided to each participant.
Applications can be directed to Greg Ehman, Youth Services Chair for the Golden Rotary Club at gkm@telus.net.
