According to program leader Robjn Taylor, the task force is essentially "an odd-job board that the youth can check up on periodically to help keep them busy, and learn about the joys of working hard to earn money."
Potential employers can call the youth centre with a job description, which is then posted in the centre for youth to follow up on.
According to recreational programmer Carolyn Stroud the project is going well: "It’s a good opportunity for kids who are too young or who don’t have the time to commit to a full-time job. Jobs get scooped up very quickly."
In fact, Grade 7 student David Diamond decided to take on a lawn-mowing job only a half-hour after it was put up on the board. He mowed the lawn that same evening.
Diamond enjoyed his experience: "I would do it again. I like it because I’m too young to get a real job."
It is up to the youth, their parents and the employers to screen each other and to negotiate pay. The job board functions year-round.
The Whistler Youth Centre is located in MY Place and can be reached at 604-935-8187.
