Businesses, community groups and youth were all acknowledged for their participation in an employment program at an event at the Youth Zone in 100 Mile House recently.
Six participants successfully completed the Youth Employment Services (YES) Program, a three-month initiative facilitated by the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre (CFEC) and funded by Services Canada.
The participants completed the nine-week workplace portion of the program at the Bargain Shop, Alpaca Story Ranch, Ramada Inn, Sunrise Ford, Fields, Topline Printers, Spring Lake Ranch, 99 Mile Store and the Cedar Crest Society.
Before their work placements, the students spent six weeks in the classroom learning about such things as building a resumé, job interviews and career development.
The program, which is open to people aged 15 to 30, depends on support from community members opening their doors to participants, says Allie Valiente, a youth support worker and YES facilitator.
“We really do rely on them, especially in this community where we do have limited resources.”
The CFEC has applied for more funding from the federal government to restart the long-running program, which usually goes twice a year in 100 Mile House.
“It requires a lot of money to run the program, but the benefits of the program are just endless. It gives people a job for three months, as well as when they leave, they have these lifelong skills.”
