Town of Carbonear youth flourishes in Green Jobs role

Canadian Parks & Recreation Association
/January 28, 2025

 

Kerri Abbott has witnessed an extraordinary transformation in Colby Sharpe.  

She remembers how the once reserved and soft-spoken Town of Carbonear youth lacked confidence in new situations. Coming from a tight-knit Newfoundland community of less than 5,000 people, Sharpe had few local job opportunities to help him develop new skills, broaden his experiences, and recognize his own potential.  

But in the summer of 2024, the CPRA Green Jobs Initiative—funded by the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Skills Strategy program—changed that. The program provided Sharpe the opportunity to work as a Trails and Community Coordinator, a role in which he excelled and truly came into his own.  He evolved into a decisive leader and a resourceful problem solver, asking insightful questions, embracing challenges with confidence, and adapting to new situations with ease. 

“Once he finishes his education and enters the workforce, any employer would be extremely lucky to have him,” says Abbott, the Town of Carbonear’s economic development and tourism officer, who managed Sharpe throughout the summer. 

As a Trails and Community Coordinator, Sharpe took on a range of responsibilities, from monitoring trail conditions to researching ways to enhance the town’s pollinator gardens to engaging with community members about local greenspaces. 

Abbott says he took ownership of all these duties, and made sure his jobs were done well. 

“Colby approaches every task with a commitment to doing his best. He is thorough, responsible, and always strives for excellence,” she says.  

Beyond his daily tasks, Sharpe also took on a leadership role, spearheading a special project that engaged younger students in environmental education. He guided students as they illustrated local plant species, which will be featured on storyboards throughout the community starting in the spring of 2025. “Leading others had its challenges,” Sharpe admits, “but overall, it was a rewarding experience.” 

Abbott emphasizes that Sharpe played a major role in the storyboard project’s success. 

“This initiative would have never have taken off without Colby’s dedication,” she says. “His work will leave a lasting impact —making our town an even better place for residents and visitors.”  

Sharpe, who is in school for human resources, reflects on how the Green Jobs experience has given him valuable transferable skills that will support his future career. 

“I certainly improved my communication and teamwork skills,” he says. “As I pursue a career in HR, these skills will definitely help me succeed.” 

Abbott believes that what Sharpe gained from his role goes beyond what any classroom could offer. He developed practical skills to deal with real-life situations and built upon his natural leadership abilities. 

“If a student was struggling with personal challenges that impacted their work,  Colby understood them,” she explains. “He knew how to offer support, diffuse the situation, and create a positive work environment. He’s wise beyond his years—and that’s something you can’t teach.” 

For youth like Sharpe, the Green Jobs Initiative is more than just a seasonal employment opportunity—it’s a launchpad for personal and professional growth. It gave him the tools to step confidently into his future while leaving a lasting legacy in his hometown. 

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