Alberta building safer workplaces for youth
By Adam Freill
Construction Health & Safety LabourProvincial government providing $150,000 to deliver workplace safety training to high school students.
From L-R: SafeGen treasurer James Wilson, SafeGen chairperson Bruce Wilkinson, and Jobs, Economy and Northern Development Minister Brian Jean. (Photo courtesy of the Province of Alberta)
The Alberta government is helping fund workplace safety training for high school students in the province. The initiative aims to help create safer and healthier workplaces for the next generation of workers.
The funding will be used in partnership with organizations like SafeGen to empower students as they explore and build their careers. The funding will allow SafeGen to provide free safety training to students.
“Supporting students as they explore careers means giving them the tools to make responsible decisions on the job,” stated Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development. “This is a key part of the Renewed Alberta Advantage, because it keeps young Albertans safe, creates vibrant workforces that attract job creators and helps our economy grow even stronger.”
SafeGen works with junior and senior high schools to offer its JobSafe education program to students.
“Providing workplace health and safety is one of the many steps in preparing students for in-demand careers such as skilled trades,” said Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education. “Young Albertans deserve to be equipped with the necessary tools to thrive in any workplace they decide to pursue. This safety training will give students the confidence they need to begin their careers.”
SafeGen has assisted schools throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories implement the JobSafe Program into curriculums. The program is currently used by more than 200 schools, with more than 115,000 students having completed the courses. Three JobSafe courses are accredited, offering one credit each.
“Through our JobSafe Program, we are promoting safe and healthy workplace training to young Albertans before they join the workforce,” stated Darryl Kitschinski, executive director of SafeGen. “Since starting this program in 1995, we have delivered our courses to over 100,000 students across Alberta. We are excited to be able to offer this critical program to our next generation of workers.”
