Ottawa Invests $4.4 Million in Youth Employment Program in Saint John

The Government of Canada has announced a significant investment of $4.4 million into the READY program at the Saint John Learning Exchange. This funding aims to enhance educational and employment support for youth aged 15 to 29 in the area, helping them acquire essential skills and find meaningful job opportunities.

During the announcement at the Learning Exchange’s offices in Saint John, CEO Christina Fowler spoke about the transformative impact of the program. “They slowly begin to believe in themselves because we believe in them,” Fowler stated, reflecting on the journey of young participants. She highlighted the pride felt when witnessing youth, initially hesitant and reserved, transform into confident individuals ready to embrace their futures.

The READY program, which stands for Repairing Education and Employment Achievement Debts to Youth, has already been providing critical support to local young people. The new funding will expand its capacity to serve 200 youth per year, creating additional spots and enhancing skills training components. This increase is crucial for addressing a growing need, as many young people currently find themselves on waitlists.

Eighteen-year-old Nickole Theriault shared her personal experience with the program. Once overwhelmed and bullied at school, she found solace and support at the Learning Exchange. “Everyone here was so supportive,” she explained, noting the flexibility to work at her own pace. Theriault has since excelled in her studies and secured a job with Stone Soup Catering, a social enterprise that employs graduates from the program.

Fowler pointed out the pressing employment needs in the province, particularly given the 17 percent youth unemployment rate. “Employers are looking for the right fit,” she said, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of workers. The READY program not only focuses on academic skills but also provides comprehensive “wrap-around” support, including access to mental health services and assistance with practical needs such as housing and identification.

The program has seen successful outcomes, with recent graduates from its trades training now employed full-time. “We just had 13 young people graduate from the insulators trades training, and they’re all working full-time jobs now,” Fowler remarked, highlighting the program’s effectiveness in connecting youth with the job market.

Another participant, Chris Miller, who is 17 years old, has engaged in both culinary and carpentry classes at the Learning Exchange. He expressed enthusiasm for the skills he has gained, stating, “I want to be able to build my own house one day.” Miller represents the drive and ambition present among the youth involved in the program.

Similarly, Jessica Charlton, who dropped out of school due to bullying, has transformed her life through the Learning Exchange. Now 19 years old, she serves on the youth advisory council and works with children at the C.E. Nick Nicolle Community Centre. Charlton plans to pursue a university education to become an educational assistant, demonstrating the program’s long-term positive impact.

Through the READY program, the Saint John Learning Exchange aims to equip youth not just with educational qualifications, but also with the confidence and life skills necessary to thrive in the workforce. As Fowler aptly put it, “We want them to be successful.” The funding from the federal government marks a significant step forward in supporting young people in Saint John, addressing both immediate employment needs and long-term workforce shortages.