Today at Terramera’s office in Vancouver, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson announced that the Government of Canada is partnering with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) employers across Canada to create 900 internship opportunities for students through the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program.
The Minister was joined by Ajay Patel, President and CEO of Vancouver Community College; Karn Manhas, Terramera founder and CEO; and Melody Sizer, a former Science Horizons intern, now full-time Terramera employee.
Science Horizons supports jobs in clean-technology sectors by offering internships to recent post-secondary graduates in STEM. The program includes specific opportunities for Indigenous graduates, graduates from rural and remote areas, and women in STEM fields. Science Horizons is now open for 2020–21 applications.
Terramera has drawn on the Science Horizons program for nine top-notch science interns in the last three years, eight of those have gone on to become full-time employees.
“The ability to attract and develop top talent from across BC and Canada is a source of our strength and innovation. Our interns through the Science Horizons Youth Internship Program have helped us become the mission-driven, collaborative, and innovative company we are today,” said Terramera’s Manhas.
“We extend our thanks to Minister Wilkinson and Environment and Climate Change Canada for nurturing programs like this one, which create opportunities in the innovation economy. These are the jobs that will help lead our province and our country to economic strength and recovery in these challenging times and beyond.”
Up to $15,000 in Science Horizons funding is available to employers for each intern they hire, and interns will receive experience working on environmental projects lasting six to twelve months. About 90 percent of interns secure a full-time job or return to school after their internship.