Richmond man defending threatened Youth Internship Program
Posted February 1, 2014 2:41 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – A national program that sends young Canadians abroad to gain work experience is in jeopardy.
One Richmond man, who benefited from the Youth Internship Program, is questioning the federal government’s motives.
The program is part of the government’s Youth Employment Strategy and costs an average of $6.4 million a year, with about $15,000 spent on participants 6-month term.
Brendan Bains, who gained experience in Mexico, questions the possibility of ending the program that’s benefited 7,000 young canadians. “It seems to me like this is viewed as a long-term strategy, and it’s really quite unfortunate because when we’re dealing with a short election cycle, these are the types of things that seem to get on the chopping block first and foremost.”
“This opportunity helps you break through the catch-22 of those jobs that are looking for people with two years experience, but can’t seem to get that experience. It helps cut through some of that red tape of getting hired on, and it gives the opportunity to actually come back and get a job here in Canada,” he adds.
Bains is home from Mexico, he’s works in Calgary for an Economic Development Network.
