Students are leaders in the fight against climate change in Canada and they are working in their communities to reduce emissions and build a cleaner, more prosperous future. The Government of Canada has recently indicated that it is committed to supporting students as they develop new skills to support the growth of the clean economy as Canada builds back better from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jonathan Wilkinson, announced that the federal government is partnering with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) employers across Canada to create 900 internship opportunities for students through the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program.
“I encourage students and businesses to take part in this fantastic program aimed at creating jobs for youth in the clean-technology sector,” said Wilkinson. “As Canada continues to safely restart our economy and build a more sustainable future, your skills, passion, and expertise will help to scale up our efforts to fight climate change and reach our goals of being net zero by 2050.”
Science Horizons supports jobs in clean-technology sectors by offering internships to recent post-secondary graduates in STEM. The program includes specific opportunities for Indigenous graduates, graduates from rural and remote areas, and women in STEM fields. Science Horizons is now open for 2020–21 applications.
Up to $15,000 in Science Horizons funding is available to employers for each intern they hire, and interns will receive experience working on environmental projects lasting six to twelve months. About 90 per cent of interns secure a full-time job or return to school after their internship.
The announcement was made at Terramera, a Vancouver-based clean-technology
company specializing in sustainable agricultural practices.
The Minister was joined by: Ajay Patel, president and CEO of Vancouver Community College; Karn Manhas, founder and CEO of Terramera; and Melody Sizer, a former Science Horizons intern, now full-time Terramera employee.
“The ability to attract and develop top talent from across BC and Canada is a source of our strength and innovation. Our interns through the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program have helped us become the mission-driven, collaborative, and innovative company we are today,” said Karn Manhas, founder and chief executive officer of Terramera. “We extend our thanks to Minister Wilkinson and Environment and Climate Change Canada for nurturing programs like this one, which create opportunities in the innovation economy. These are the jobs that will help lead our province and our country to economic strength and recovery in these challenging times and beyond.”
Science Horizons has been in place for more than 20 years and has delivered over 5500 internship opportunities in Canada. Science Horizons is run by independent, third-party organizations (delivery agents). Delivery agents were selected via an open call for proposals. Delivery agents for 2020–21 are:
- BioTalent Canada
- Clean Foundation
- Colleges and Institutes Canada
- ECO Canada
- United Nations Association in Canada.
For further information, click here: Science Horizons Youth Internship Program
Featured image: Minister of Environment and Climate Change Jonathan Wilkinson announces new support for the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program.
