From Volunteer to Leader: Green Jobs Empowers New Brunswick Youth with Essential Career Skills

Heeje Kim has always aspired to find employment that allows her to give back to her community. But as a high school student with no prior work experience, her options were limited. 

“While I was on my job search, I realized there aren't many jobs open to high schoolers,” says Kim, a youth living in the Town of Riverview, New Brunswick. 

With employment opportunities hard to come by at her age and experience level, she initially turned her attention to volunteering with the municipality, helping run events and programs. But that all changed in the summer of 2024 when Kim’s volunteer role was rewarded and she was offered a rare opportunity to work as a Recreation Facilitator – a position made possible by the CPRA Green Jobs Initiative, which is funded by the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Skills Strategy program. 

In her role, Kim was responsible for organizing a Saturday morning walk program for seniors and families in the community. Working with colleagues, she carefully planned all aspects of the program on a weekly basis. She also attended the morning walks every Saturday – leading residents through Riverview’s scenic parks, answering their questions, and educating them on the town’s outdoor spaces. 

Kim credits the role with providing her essential job skills, including effective communication, teamwork, and public engagement.  

“I learned a lot about planning in general. For every Saturday walk, we had to plan in detail, and it made me realize how important it is,” she says. “Beyond planning, I learned how to connect with people—whether collaborating with colleagues or engaging with community members.” 

Jennifer Colpitts, Community Recreation Worker for the Town of Riverview, mentored Kim and had previously worked with her during her volunteer days with the municipality. She witnessed tremendous growth in Kim, particularly in her confidence and leadership abilities.

“I’ve really seen her come out of her shell and develop leadership skills,” says Colpitts. “Part of her job involves leading groups of people she’s never met, guiding them through parks, and making them feel welcome. She knows how to be inclusive, start conversations with folks, and create a warm atmosphere.”  

She adds that Kim’s position didn’t just benefit her—it allowed the Town of Riverview to introduce a new program tailored to seniors and other community members, enriching the town’s recreational offerings. This dual impact—empowering youth while enhancing community programs—is at the heart of the Green Jobs Initiative. 

“Our expectations are really quite high, and Heeje exceeded them,” Colpitts says, adding that the municipality was so impressed with Kim’s performance that they continued to employ her during the winter of 2025, where she contributed to the community’s winter events. 

“For Heeje, this job has already opened doors to other opportunities. She’s reliable, capable, and exactly the kind of person we need to get our ideas off the ground. She has become an instrumental part of our team, and it all started with Green Jobs.” 

Kim’s journey is a testament to how the CPRA Green Jobs Initiative provides more than just employment—it offers youth the chance to gain critical skills, build confidence, and make lasting contributions to their communities. 

Municipalities across Canada are discovering how the Green Jobs Initiative equips young people with valuable skills and strengthens local programs and services, leaving a lasting impact on both youth and their communities.