skills link
A unique oppertunity for youth facing barriers to employment gain work experience in supportive environmental work placements. Sam came to the program unable to continue working in construction and throughout the program gained the experience necessary to get hired at his work placement, a dream come true! He is now working at the Strathcona Business Improvement Association helping with their environmental initiatives. In Sam's own words...
Recently I was involved in the Environmental Youth Alliance’s Skills Link Program. Going into the program I had never heard of the EYA or even the Skills Link Program. I didn’t know what to expect or what I would gain from this experience, and had no clue of how amazing an opportunity it truly was. Looking back a month removed from the initial program I still find it hard to believe how much I’ve learned, accomplished, and changed for the better in just four months. I went into the EYA and Skills Link Program lost and confused about the future and emerged a new person with a plan and better understanding of myself and how much I really could accomplish. During the program I received a variety of new skills and certificates that led me to receive full-time employment with the non-profit organization that I was placed with during the work experience part of the Skills Link Program. Without the EYA and the Skills Link Program I would never have been able to have this amazing opportunity to develop my new skills, and make the connections at my current employment that I know will continue to benefit me for years to come. I am extremely grateful to everyone at the EYA for hosting such a great program and providing me with such a rewarding experience.
Thanks for reading
Sam
Unfortunately EYA will not be running a 2012 summer Skills Link Program as planned. The decision was made in Ottawa not to fund the program this summer. With around 80 applicants to the EYA program each round, there is a real need for this kind of opportunity, and we sincerely hope that the youth who benefit these kind of services receive the support they need.
Hear what our 2010 Skills Link interns had to say:
Garden Voices from Environmental Youth Alliance on Vimeo.
