Getting your first job isn’t always easy! But thanks to FortWhyte Farms, students have the opportunity to gain employment skills through their Youth Internship Summer Employment Program.
Earlier this month, we visited FortWhyte Farms to get a closer look at their Youth Internship Summer Employment Program, which Cambrian is proud to support.
FortWhyte Farms’ Youth Internship Summer Employment Program allows youth from underserved communities in Winnipeg to:
Throughout the 2-month paid internship program, students spend 5 days a week working on the farm, gaining valuable work experience. The end goal of the program is to help students find employment or pursue post-secondary education.
“I’ve seen kids do a complete 180 from when they started this program. They gain so much experience and confidence in themselves,” says Kayla, Farm Program & Development Manager.
“Some students don’t see their own potential. We encourage them and coach their strengths to build their confidence.”
During our visit, we met Nikki, a past youth intern who now works as a part-time employee at FortWhyte Farms. We asked Nikki what she’s gained from this experience:
“The biggest difference I’ve noticed in myself is my communication skills. I used to be so shy, but now I can lead a class by myself!” she says. “I’ve come so far.”
We sat down with Kayla to learn more about the program!
Q: How are students selected for the program?
A: “Through high school programming that youth from Winnipeg’s core areas participate in, we look for students who are self-motivated, team players, and eager to learn. Each summer, we select and hire around 15 interns.”
Q: What activities do students do in the program?
A: “Every day is different! They do tasks like weeding, watering, harvesting, and taking care of farm animals. During our kitchen community lunches, students share recipes from their cultures. They also help prepare food for our market, where we sell local produce to the public. At the woodshop, students learn how to measure, use power tools, and learn about workplace safety.”
Q: How does this program support the professional development of students?
A: “This internship helps students build confidence, along with soft skills like packing a healthy lunch each day and time management. It helps build interview skills and resume credentials. We also help connect students with employment opportunities or post-secondary education.”
Q: How does this program benefit the overall community?
A: “We’re providing access to healthy, local, and nutritional food to our youth through this program and to the overall community. We’re also teaching students about regenerative, sustainable practices in farming and agriculture. Overall, we’re increasing awareness of sustainability and helping youth further their education and join the workforce.”
During our visit, Kayla also provided a tour of the farm.
We spent some time in the Medicine Garden, which blooms with medicinal herbs and flowers in the summer, and is a place where students learn about how the plants are grown and what they can be used for.
Nikki shared that her favourite herb that grows here is sage!
We also got to see the storage shed that the student interns helped build. Thanks to the skills they acquired through the woodshop module, they were able build a new one that’s more stable and offers more storage.
Next, we stopped by the woodshop – Nikki’s favourite!
Nikki shared that during the summer, she spent time learning how to build and carve walking sticks – which were then sold in the FortWhyte Gift Shop!
The tour ended with visiting some of the farm animals - including chickens and these adorable pigs, who were eager for belly rubs!
“We wouldn’t be able to fund this program without donor support,” says Kayla.
Cambrian is proud to have supported this incredible program again this year through our sponsorship of one youth internship this summer, continuing our longstanding relationship with FortWhyte Farms.
We’re proud to have a part in helping youth develop the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills they need to successfully enter the workforce or pursue their education.
We would be happy to discuss your unique situation with you.
Our goal is to make complex topics like this one, simple.
It takes less than 5 minutes to make an appointment or to apply online. It is up to you how you want to meet your advisor - you will have the option to meet your advisor:
