Mentoring Month with Janet McCausland
Throughout the year, staff at Prince’s Trust Canada are encouraged to share mentoring programs that are making a meaningful impact across Canada and the globe. This initiative contributes to growing public awareness of industry specific and niche mentoring programs that can benefit us all as we aim to create a brighter, more sustainable future.
The spotlight feature of this mentoring program is brought to you by Prince’s Trust Canada’s Head of Sustainability and Communications, Janet McCausland. Together, we’ll explore all things mentoring and sustainability – from fun facts to statistics within the sustainable employment field – there’s lots to learn!
Staff Pick: Project Learning Tree
“I admire Project Learning Tree’s mentoring program for its unique contribution to the sustainability sector, connecting young adults with forestry and conservation professions. From my experience in the sustainability sector, many people including young women and racialized young people don’t even consider the sector as there are strong and enduring stereotypes of workers. Having a mentor will help them learn about the jobs and careers that exist, and how the sector is rapidly changing to offer a wider variety of jobs for a more diverse group of people.” – Janet McCausland
About Project Learning Tree
Project Learning Tree (or Project Learning Tree Canada – PTL Canada) is an organization committed to advancing environmental education, forest literacy, and green career pathways, using trees and forests as windows on the world by providing wage subside, mentorship and educational resources.
PLT’s Green Mentoring Program
Project Learning Tree (PLT) Canada offers mentorship programs supporting youth, including those facing additional employment barriers, advancing their green career pathways.
Here are some quick facts about PLT’s Green Mentoring program.
– National Program (bilingual)
– Mentees are youth (ages 18-30)
– Mentors are Green Jobs professionals
Program Benefits:
– Expands mentee’s forest and conservation knowledge, goals and network
– Mentors foster the next generation of leaders, shares knowledge and gains a new perspective.
Green Jobs
PLT Canada describes a green job as one that supports nature-based solutions for a more sustainable planet. Green jobs are typically involved in, but not limited to, jobs in the forest sector, parks, conservation, natural resource management, environmental education, sustainable food systems, climate change, carbon sequestration, species maintenance and recovery, water quality and quantity, and more. Learn more about PLT’s programs and resources athttps://pltcanada.org/en/.
Fun Facts
Below are a few niche sustainability job titles/fields that are in the sustainable industry.
1. Green Designer/Creative (aka Climate Designers)
2. Green Home Construction Worker
3. Sustainable Interior Designer
4. Green/Eco Entrepreneur
5. Sustainability-Conscious Financial Advisor
6. Wind Turbine Technician
7. Solar Photovoltaic Technician
Quotes
“Environmental employment is expected to rise by 8%, resulting in 50,100 new jobs needing to be filled in the next decade.” (ECO Canada, 2020).
Environmental Net Hiring Requirements from 2019 to 2029
“Together, expansion and replacement demands for environmental workers combine for nearly 233,500 net job openings by 2029.” (ECO Canada, 2020).
