According to Youth Employment Program (YEP) Coordinator Deb Greenaway, there’s no better time to get involved in the program than in the months leading up to the summer break.
“With the summer coming up, YEP is a fabulous opportunity for teens to get involved in the community,” said Greenaway. “And the nice part is students can choose their own level of participation.”
The YEP, run through Beacon Community Services, has been part of the community on the Saanich Peninsula for many years. The program offers a practical way for teens to gain on-the-job experience and skills they might not otherwise have the chance to get.
“We offer and subsidize courses and training for youth in the program so they can build their resume with applicable skills,” said Greenaway, adding that the program is also a good way for students to network and earn graduation credits.
“All the volunteer opportunities completed through YEP go towards graduation requirements,” she said.
Eligible participants for the free YEP program have to be between the ages of 14 and 18 and enrolled with School District 63. Students can pick up an application package at their school’s career office or go to http://www.beaconcs.ca/pages/youth_employment.html. Once the application is completed, it can be dropped off at the SHOAL Centre (10030 Resthaven Dr., in Sidney.) Students can also contact the YEP Coordinator at 250-656-5537 ext. 118 to set up an interview and to find out about upcoming opportunities.
What does YEP offer?
Youth Employment Program (YEP) offers the following training opportunities:
• Foodsafe
• First aid
• Retail training
• Beacon Community Volunteer
• Squirrel
• Gardening basics
• Resume writing
• Cover letter writing
• Interview skills training