Many of these recent Northern Development interns are now working in communities throughout northern B.C., from Mackenzie, to Prince George, Kitimat, Fort St James, Granisle and beyond.
Communities around northern B.C. all face a similar challenge; there is much to do and limited capacity to do it all. Northern Development’s internship program helps develop the leadership and management skills of new graduates through hands-on work experience. But most importantly, the program results in a lasting legacy of capacity to help build a stronger north.
93% of Northern Development interns found jobs in northern B.C. immediately following, and even during, their internship. This success rate shows that there is a need for talented young minds, and a willingness and enthusiasm to stay and work in the region where many of the interns grew up.
Additionally, the power of the region can be seen in the successful retention of grads who are from outside the region. When you compare the number of interns who were born in northern B.C., to the number who are now working in the region, it becomes apparent that there is a positive net gain of 5%. Once someone experiences the lifestyle in northern B.C., its magic captivates making it difficult to leave. Retaining and attracting this talent in the north is a significant success of the program.
Since the program began in 2009, Northern Development has provided capacity to the North through 70 internships. The statistics below illustration just a small sample of the impact the program has made.
