With local farmers requiring human resources to help achieve sustainable production, the Career Centre in Parksville is lending its support by offering GoodSeeds, a federally funded program for those between the ages of 15 and 30 who are keen to support local food production. Ten young people will have the opportunity to access free industry-specific training and work experience based on their interests and skills and the needs of local farmers.
The Career Centre in Parksville (198 Island Hwy. E.) will host a free information sessions on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. and at 2 p.m.
GoodSeeds participants will receive nine weeks of training on various subjects, including agriculture and horticulture basics, farm safety, basic food-prep skills, safe food handling, environment stewardship and animal husbandry basics. Youth will also gain recognized certifications, life- and job-readiness skills and career education. While participants are learning they will receive living supports equivalent to minimum wage.
The GoodSeeds program provides a unique opportunity for young women and men to forge relationships and gain new skills as they work towards long-term employment or further education. After completing the training components, participants will transition to a 16-week, paid work experience. Local farmers/employers who hire these participants will receive a wage subsidy to reduce their payroll expenses.
“The Career Centre is proud to contribute positively to our local economy and social capacity through these types of programs” says Cheryl Dill, executive director of the Career Centre. “In addition, GoodSeeds makes a positive environmental impact, by supporting local farmers.”
The program will begin Nov. 20 and continue through Feb. 9, 2018, for nine weeks of learning with a scheduled break over Christmas. Sixteen weeks of work experience will commence Feb. 12 and run through June 1.
The Career Centre welcomes program referrals. People who know of a youth who meets the following criteria, are asked to encourage them to call right away to register: aged 15-30; not in receipt of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits; living in British Columbia; legally entitled to work in Canada; in need of assistance in order to overcome barriers to employment (such as financial hardship, lack of experience, certification), and eager to work in jobs related to sustainable agriculture.
For more information visit www.careercentre.org or contact Colleen Dykslag, youth employment specialist, at colleen@careercentre.org or 250-248-3205 ext. 220.
The Career Centre is an initiative of the Central Vancouver Island Job Opportunities Building Society (CVIJOBS), a non-profit society that provides employment and career-related services to residents within the Bowser to Lantzville region.
— Submitted by the Career Centre