Prince George, B.C. –  The weather was perfect for the 40^th Anniversary Service Canada Centre For Youth Thank You Ceremony at Fort George Park today.

 

The Prince George Service Canada Centre for Youth will close its doors today after a successful summer of assisting youth find jobs.

 

In total, 170 youth came into the office since May 26, however with workshops and outreach the program helped 225 youth find jobs this summer.

 

There were 604 vacancies from local businesses in Prince George of which 297 were casual vacancies. Casual vacancies are classified as jobs that require 5 days or less such as inventory, stock or mowing a lawn. Many employers were impressed with the work of particular youth and were asked to return for additional work. 

 

The program hired 5 Youth Service Officers and 1 Lead for Northern B.C. to help coordinate the program. 

 

Vivian Houg, Youth Services Officer says the program helps youth gain experience with the overall job process such as developing a resume, hunting for jobs, interview skills and information on employment standards and health and safety in the workplace, “Our services were mostly used by youth 18-25 years old however we really did a lot of workshops at a variety of different places this year in high schools and alternative education classes such as Camp Trapping, TAPS, Store Front and YAP which allowed us to reach so many more youth.”

 

Hoag says other promotional events included mobile offices at Aboriginal Day and The Rotary Skate Park which helped break the barriers that some youth may feel about accessing services at a government building.  Youth Service Officers were also available to those that required assistance with the database on the Internet or for youth who do not have Internet at home they can access.

 

MP, Dick Harris says a lot of value is placed on the program with youth helping youth. “At the end of each year we sit down and ask the Youth Officers what worked and what we need to change to keep the program successful.”

 

As part of program requirements, all youth were required to take a health and safety workshop before being referred for employment.  

 

Employers were required to pay at least minimum wage. Many of the labour jobs paid $10.00 per hour.

 

The Prince George SCCY is looking forward to working with the community again next summer. For more information on Service Canada services for youth call 1 800 O-Canada or visit servicecanada.gc.ca.