PICS Youth Trades Program - Giving Power to Youth

Youth Trades Program is a Skills Training for Employment (STE) initiative by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, which is funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement.

Youth are the future of our country. So it is crucial that their skills and talents are recognized early on, and further enhanced in order to create a stronger future. Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society recognizes the need for skilled and resourceful youth and therefore introduced two new youth trades programs on April 1, 2019.
Youth Trades Program is a Skills Training for Employment (STE) initiative by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, which is funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement. PICS delivers two streams of youth trades programs – Youth Technical Employment and Business Pathways, and Trade Builders; which are among numerous programs in B.C. that help youth participants overcome employment barriers. With the City of Surrey having the largest youth population, there was a high need for youth programming. “Based on the needs of the community, PICS was able to develop a program geared towards youth, especially careers in B.C.’s booming construction sector such as tradespeople and safety technicians,” shares Ankita Grewal, Youth Outreach Counsellor at PICS.

Youth Technical Employment & Business Pathways

It is a 20-week employment program for young adults aged 17-29 years, who are generally job-ready. The program is designed to support participants through the exploration of three different technical occupations:

- Fire Protection Inspector

- Construction Safety Inspector

- Underground Utility Locator Specialist

“The program offers career exploration, job shadowing and employment support. The course will support youth in obtaining certification from reputed institutions of training, such as KPU & BCIT, for courses accredited by ASTTBC,” informs Grewal.

Trade Builders

It is a 30-week employment program for young adults aged 17-29 years, who are generally not job-ready and are facing multiple barriers to employment. The program is designed to support participants through the exploration of various building trades and guiding them to choose a trade that is best fit for them.

Based on the Occupational Training Plan developed for each participant, the participants will attend training at reputed institutions like KPU, BCIT and UAPICBC that have courses accredited by ITA. Training may include for trades such as electrician, carpenter, plumber, machinist, etc. “The training also includes life skills, employment readiness training, job shadowing, and entrepreneurial mindset training,” says Grewal, adding that financial support is also provided towards work gear, transportation, and refreshments for youth.

Additionally, each participant receives short term training and certifications for seven foundation safety courses: Occupational First Aid, Scaffold and Ladder Safety, Confined Spaces, WHMIS, WCB Awareness, Backtalk, and Fall Protection. These programs enable youth who are facing multiple barriers to employment, to be able to realize their full potential and contribute to the community in a meaningful manner and career.

Program Benefits:

- Short-term safety training (worth up to $550)

- Transportation Supports

- Daily participation allowance

- Child care supports as required

- Funding for workplace essential clothing/equipment - Up to $3,300 towards school/courses for building trades

- In-house training on life skills, soft skills, job search, and job shadowing

Program Eligibility:

- Youth aged 17-29 years old

- Canadian Citizen or Permanant Resident or Refugee status

REGISTRATION

#205, 12725 - 80th Ave, Surrey BC, V3W 3A6

Tel: 604-596-7722 Ext 150 or 160  

Email: youthprograms@pics.bc.ca