Ottawa Invests $4.4M in Youth Employment Program in Saint John

The federal government has announced an investment of $4.4 million to support the READY program, aimed at enhancing education and employment opportunities for youth in Saint John, New Brunswick. This funding will enable the program to better serve 200 youth annually, providing essential wrap-around services for individuals aged 15 to 29 who require educational support, skills training, and job placement assistance.

During the announcement at the Saint John Learning Exchange, Christina Fowler, CEO of the Learning Exchange, shared the transformative impact the program has on young lives. “They slowly begin to believe in themselves because we believe in them,” she stated. Fowler highlighted the personal growth of participants, recalling moments when they return with newfound confidence and readiness to pursue their goals.

Among those who have benefitted from the program is Nickole Theriault, 18, who described her initial struggles with bullying and discouragement during her time at St. Malachy’s High School. “With my hood up and my legs buckling, I was so scared,” Theriault recalled. After dropping out of school at age 14, she found support at the Learning Exchange, where she was able to complete her coursework at her own pace. Today, she is not only achieving high marks but has also begun working at Stone Soup Catering, a social enterprise that employs graduates from the program.

The READY program, which stands for Repairing Education and Employment Achievement Debts to Youth, was already operational but is now set to expand significantly thanks to the new funding. This will allow for an increase in both the number of participants and the variety of skills training available, better connecting youth with potential employers.

Fowler noted the program’s recent successes, including the graduation of 13 young people from insulator trades training, all of whom are now employed full-time. “We’re pretty proud of the trades approach, the direct employment approach,” she said, emphasizing the importance of practical skills in today’s job market.

In addition to job readiness, the Learning Exchange offers comprehensive support, including access to mental health services, project-based learning, and life skills development. These elements are crucial for fostering a sense of stability and empowerment among participants. “We’re providing case management and coaching support so that they can get a job but can keep a job,” Fowler explained.

Another participant, Chris Miller, 17, has embraced the opportunities offered by the Learning Exchange, engaging in both culinary arts and carpentry courses. He contributed to the event by baking cupcakes and creating benches for the centre. Miller expressed his aspirations for a future in the trades, stating, “I want that education for sure. You know, I want to be able to build my own house one day.”

Similarly, Jessica Charlton, 19, has turned her life around after facing bullying and addiction challenges. After leaving Harbourview High School in Grade 9, she joined the Learning Exchange, where she has gained confidence and skills. Now a graduate, she serves on the youth advisory council and works with children at the C.E. Nick Nicolle Community Centre. “It actually feels really good to be helping other people,” she said, reflecting on her journey and the support she received.

The READY program aligns with the broader goal of addressing the significant youth unemployment rate in New Brunswick, which currently stands at 17 percent. Fowler emphasized the urgent need for engaged young people to fill gaps in the workforce, particularly as the province faces impending worker shortages over the next decade. “Employers are looking for the right fit, the right people,” she stated. “They really need youth because that’s our workforce. That’s who is up and coming, and we want them to be successful.”

This investment by the federal government not only aims to equip young individuals with the skills necessary for the job market but also fosters a supportive community that encourages personal and professional growth.