PROJECT LEARNING TREE CANADA TO PLACE 1000 YOUTH IN GREEN JOBS THROUGH THE SFI NETWORK

April 03, 2018

Ottawa, ON — Project Learning Tree (PLT) Canada will be placing 1000 youth in green jobs using the Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s (SFI) diverse network of program participants, conservation leaders, Indigenous partners, and community groups. PLT Canada has received approximately $7 million in federal funding from the Government of Canada’s Summer Work Experience Program to get youth working in the great outdoors through the summers of 2018 and 2019.

“Canada’s future prosperity depends on young Canadians getting the skills and experience they need to succeed. Creating meaningful Green Job opportunities for young Canadians will help them enhance their skills and save money to pay for their education,” says The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour.

“We are thrilled to be part of creating new green job opportunities for young Canadians that will give them a strong start to their career. A key component of PLT Canada’s community engagement work focuses on educating youth and inspiring them to become forest and conservation leaders. The Green Jobs program takes this a step further by giving youth professional experience,” said Kathy Abusow, President and CEO. 

PLT Canada’s mission is to grow future forest and conservation leaders. By providing youth with opportunities to explore careers in the great outdoors, we can inspire life long appreciation for nature and Canada’s forests.

Eligible organizations can access this federal funding for a 50% wage-match. Working periods run from May through August and must be for a minimum of eight weeks to a maximum of 16 weeks. Canadian youth aged 15–30 are eligible and must be registered students returning to school, either secondary or post‑secondary.

The forest sector provides many green jobs that would be eligible for this funding including jobs in ecosystem and wildlife management, silviculture, forest conservation and research, and recreation and education.

“We are especially interested in jobs that inspire leadership in forest management, diversity in partnerships with Indigenous and conservation groups, and a passion for science-based research and education. I strongly encourage the SFI community and beyond to find out more about the program. This is a fantastic opportunity for Canada’s youth,” Abusow said.

For more information and to receive wage-match application forms, email greenjobs@pltcanada.org. Jobs are for the summer of 2018. This initiative is to place students in jobs in the summer of 2018 and 2019

About Project Learning Tree Canada

Project Learning Tree (PLT) Canada fosters community interest in the benefits of environmental education and responsible management of Canada’s natural resources. We are committed to using the outdoors to engage students in learning about the world around them—in urban, suburban, rural, and Indigenous communities, and using trees and forests as windows on the world to inspire action. 

About the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® Inc.

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) is a sustainability leader that stands for future forests. SFI® is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting forest sustainability and supporting the links between sustainable forests and communities through grant programs, carefully targeted research, youth education, supply chain assurances, and partnerships that effectively contribute to multiple conservation objectives. SFI works collaboratively with conservation groups, local communities, youth, resource professionals, landowners and countless other organizations and individuals who share our passion for and commitment to healthy forests, responsible purchasing and sustainable communities. SFI Inc. is governed by an independent three-chamber board of directors representing environmental, social and economic sectors equally. Learn more at sfiprogram.org.