THUNDER BAY - Zac Wagman had a dream of biking across Canada, he just needed a purpose.
This summer, that purpose came in the form of an opportunity for young Canadians as a part of Project Learning Tree Canada and the Green Jobs program.
Wagman works as Green Jobs program manager for Project Learning Tree, a workplace program that provides youth with employment opportunities in the forest and conservation sector, and resources to succeed in those positions. Wagman decided he would take his passion of biking and use it as inspiration for the youth involved in the program.
“It helps them see the bigger picture of what they’re a part of,” Wagman said.
On Friday, the federal government announced $4.4 million in funding for the Project Learning Tree Canada.
“We’re meeting with kids from coast to coast in our program and tying their stories together. It really creates a network of youth in green jobs.”
Wagman, biking with his brother Nick, made a stop at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay on Friday, where they were greeted by Minister Patty Hajdu to announce the investment, which will support more than 500 local and Canadian youth, particularly those facing barriers.
“It’s really about making sure young people have every chance to succeed,” said Hajdu, the minister of employment, workforce, and development.
The investment is part of the Youth Employment Strategy launched by the Liberal government in June.
The strategy is intended to provide youth employment groups with a one-window application system for funding and making it available to a wider range of groups.
Kathy Abusow, president and CEO of Project Learning Tree Canada, says the funding provides opportunities for over 100 employers throughout the country to provide employment opportunities.
“Hopefully it sparks an interest or curiosity in a career to one day get a job, maintain a job, and grow into a position of leadership,” Abusow said.
Abusow says PLT Canada will particularly focus on youth facing barriers and employment support with this funding. She said helping youth strive once they’ve acquired the position is just as important as getting the job in the first place.
“How are we going to provide mentorship about how to show up on the first day? How to engage, how to ask questions, how to work with your boss… we help with sort of that mentorship about your job to prepare you for it,” she said.
Hajdu stressed the significance of providing specific support for certain youth.
“It might be a pair of work boots, it might be a session to develop better writing skills, it might be food vouchers... We’re asking what that barrier is for that particular kid, and then help that young person move past that barrier,” Hajdu said.
