Canada Youth Employment Program Exceeds Expectations Targeting Green Economy

OTTAWA, Ontario–/COMMUNITYWIRE/–BioTalent Canada announced today that its Science and Technology Internship Program (STIP) Green Jobs surpassed its goal of 50 placements since the program began in July 2020. To date, 60 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates have been placed with 38 employers, providing new job opportunities and stimulating economic growth in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

STIP helps youth begin careers within Canada’s green economy organizations in sectors such as energy, forestry, earth sciences, minerals, and metals.

“The industry’s response to the Science and Technology Internship Program—Green Jobs has exceeded our expectations, which is encouraging in the midst of a pandemic,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “Canada’s green economy is one of the fastest growing sectors in the country. As such, it offers a wide range of opportunities for Canada’s new graduates to gain valuable experience as they begin their careers.”

“We are expanding employment and STEM skills development to give more opportunities to young people,” said Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan. “BioTalent Canada is making it easier for youth to gain the skills to succeed.”

Since 2019, 122 youth gained employment with green economy employers across six Canadian provinces and 67 different employers through the program. When surveyed, 98% of 2019’s participating employers said that they would take part in the program again.

“Paulina (a STIP-Green Jobs participant) has contributed significantly in helping to advance special projects within the organization and industry,” says Jennifer Green, Executive Director of the Canadian Biogas Association. “The STIP program provided the Canadian Biogas Association the capacity to hire a new graduate to apply multi-disciplinary knowledge and skills to advance special projects within the organization.”

Employers were able to onboard and train young, innovative minds like Paulina thanks to the STIP—Green Jobs. This year, new hires brought on as part of STIP—Green Jobs were also granted free access to BioTalent Canada’s new essential skills and technical skills fundamentals training programs, innovative online training available in English and French.

“One of our objectives is to set up the link between employers and wage subsidy recipients to be as successful as possible in our programs, so that everyone feels the experience was beneficial,” adds Henderson. “Wage subsidy programs like STIP, as well as the add-on of our state-of-the-art training courses, help mitigate risks associated with new hires and provide a greater likelihood for success.”

Applications for placements are being accepted until November 30, 2020. Visit biotalent.ca/greenjobs to apply or to learn more about the program.

Funding by Natural Resources Canada

About BioTalent Canada

BioTalent Canada™ is the HR partner of and catalyst for growth in Canada’s bio-economy. Our engagement with employers, associations, post-secondary institutions, immigrant serving agencies and service providers has built a dynamic network that is strengthening skills, connecting job-ready talent to industry and creating opportunities. Recently awarded a Great Place to Work® Certification, BioTalent Canada practices the same industry standards they recommend to their stakeholders.

Recently, BioTalent Canada was named one of Best Workplaces in Ontario for 2020 and Best Workplaces in Healthcare These distinctions were awarded to BioTalent Canada following a thorough and independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work®. Direct feedback from employees was provided to Great Place to Work® through a staff survey.

For more information, please visit biotalent.ca.

About Science Technology Internship Program – Green Jobs

The Science and Technology Internship Program – Green Jobs covers the cost of a new hire’s salary by 75% to a maximum of $22,500 per year and $30,000 per year for youth furthest from employment. These funds help employers hire the talent they need and help youth initiate a career. Employers can bring on an eager, young worker for a special project – and at the end of the placement end up with a skilled candidate already oriented to their company. Youth from northern and remote communities have an opportunity for an increased subsidy. Visit biotalent.ca/greenjobs to learn more.

Contacts

Siobhan Williams
Director, Marketing and Communications
BioTalent Canada
613-235-1402 ext. 229
swilliams@biotalent.ca