Earning While Learning: A Can't-Miss Summer Program for Indigenous Youth

Rhea-AI Summary

The Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP), delivered by Dexterra Community Initiatives, offers a six-week paid summer program for Indigenous youth in British Columbia and across Canada. Participants earn while learning, gaining certifications in skills like first aid, chainsaw operation, and forest fire suppression. The program provides high school credits, full-time employment, and approximately $3,000 in earnings over the six-week period.

This year's BC summer program runs from July 16 to August 24 in Quesnel. Enbridge, a program partner, will host a day of training and career talks on August 7. The program boasts a 95% return rate and has shown significant impact on participants' confidence and career prospects. Applications are available through the OYEP website, though current applications are waitlisted pending funding availability.

Positive

• Enbridge contributes $50,000 through a Fueling Futures grant to support the OYEP program
• Enbridge will host a day of training, career talks, and a site visit at a Westcoast Energy compressor station

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• None.

Outland Youth Employment Program in Quesnel, BC kicks off this summer

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2024 / Sabre-Anne Elkins, then 17, was scrolling through her Facebook feed in the summer of 2021 when she spotted an ad, encouraging her to join a summer program and get paid.

The only requirement? She needed to identify as an Indigenous youth. A proud member of the Williams Lake First Nation band, she immediately signed up along with her 16-year-old brother.

"A paid training experience with certification - that's what caught my eye. Plus, I get to be somewhere new," Elkins said.

Dexterra Community Initiatives' Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP) delivers this annual six-week summer program for Indigenous youth in British Columbia and across Canada. The program provides a variety of certifiable training experience like first aid, chainsaw operation, trail building, and forest fire suppression.

Elkins achieved her certifications after her first year in the program.

"It's empowering," she says. "My brother and I came from poverty and have faced many struggles in our lives. So being able to graduate from that program, knowing that we worked hard and accomplished something, was really rewarding."

Besides earning while learning, participants also get high school credits and a chance to build lasting friendships with their peers.

"Everybody becomes a family out there. They talk to each other all year long-both the participants and the staff," says Brittany McCoy, OYEP Western Program Manager. "Other than the quantifiable outcomes, we see a huge development in the youth's confidence levels, which is a big plus."

Elkins returned to the program the next two summers. Up to 95% of participants also join the following year's program, mainly because it's not only providing a summer camp-like experience but a chance to get a full-time job. Participants are full-time employees, working five to eight hours with pay, plus a pay increase for the next year they come back to the program. In addition to free room and board, each participant can earn approximately $3,000 over the six-week program.

"This allows youth to get those first-job jitters out in a comfortable, healthy, and safe setting. We hope to set them up for the best possible success when they enter the workforce and take those first steps toward their careers," McCoy adds.

This year, OYEP is hosting its BC summer program in Quesnel from July 16 through Aug. 24. On Aug. 7, Enbridge will host a day of training, career talks and a site visit at a Westcoast Energy compressor station, located south of Quesnel. The company is a proud partner of this national program, contributing $50,000 through a Fueling Futures grant.

Applications for the summer program is available through the OYEP website. However, all applications from June 1 are waitlisted, pending funding availability.

This summer, Elkins will skip the summer program for a good reason.

"I'm a full-time cook now, thanks to my previous experience as a kitchen assistant at OYEP. Being there opened up doors for me - and my employer recognized my breadth of experience and training from the program."

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Enbridge on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Enbridge
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/enbridge
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Enbridge

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What is the duration and location of the OYEP summer program in BC for 2024?

The OYEP summer program in BC for 2024 runs from July 16 to August 24 in Quesnel.

How much can participants earn during the OYEP summer program?

Participants can earn approximately $3,000 over the six-week OYEP summer program.

What types of certifications can Indigenous youth obtain through the OYEP program?

Indigenous youth can obtain certifications in first aid, chainsaw operation, trail building, and forest fire suppression through the OYEP program.

How is Enbridge (ENB) involved with the OYEP summer program?

Enbridge (ENB) is a partner of the OYEP program, contributing $50,000 through a Fueling Futures grant and hosting a day of training and career talks on August 7, 2024.