A trio of Prince George organizations are teaming up to offer learning opportunities for students by connecting them with non-profits.
It’s called ‘Working2Learn,’ and its goal is to engage with young up-and-coming Prince George and area post-secondary students interested in social services with the hopes of keeping them in the regional workforce upon graduation.
The pilot program was unveiled this morning (March 24) by a partnership that includes Community Futures Fraser-Fort George, UNBC and the College of New Caledonia (CNC), and its set to award selected non-profits $5,000 each to expand foundations for work-integrated learning.
According to a news release about the program, the best way to keep young people learning and working locally is to invoke a positive workplace culture and updated ‘onboarding experiences.’
“We need this program here in the north,” said Community Futures General Manager Susan Stearns, noting the program will build a curriculum and process focused on supporting students wishing to get involved.
Successful candidates are set to have access to a number of resources like learning modules, faculty guidance and professional coaching.
“The social services are the biggest employer in the city, and the highest number of job postings in 2019 were in the social assistance and health care sector,” Stearns continues.
“Many northern employers are having a hard time attracting new employees with the experience they need. The Working2Learn project will give students an opportunity to explore and prepare for careers in the non-profit and social service sectors.”
In addition to the trio, United Way of Northern BC (UWNBC) will join the fold to help pick five non-profits out of more than 100 across the regional district, and pair them up with students to complete applied research projects.
“For a community to succeed, non-profits need to be seen as a viable opportunity for meaningful employment,” explains UWNBC Executive Director Trista Spencer.
“The Working2Learn Project will give students a first-hand chance to see the incredible work being done in the community, and the non-profit agencies the opportunity to show how fulfilling and dynamic this sector is.”
The Working2Learn projects are set to run between September and December this year.
Applications are due by April 13, and you can contact Community Futures Fraser-Fort George for more information.
A virtual information session about Working2Learn will also be held for interested students on April 9 from 1 to 2 p.m.
