Yet the same amount don't
understand the wealth of opportunities ahead
MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 18,
2011 - Survey results released today by Canon Canada reveal that 56 per cent of
Canadian teens are interested in a career in the environment, but
close to the same amount (51 per cent) aren't clear on the career
opportunities available to them.
The survey, conducted by Harris/Decima on behalf of Canon Canada, polled 1,001 teens across Canada and marks the kick-off to the
annual Canon Envirothon, one of North America's largest high school
environmental competitions.
More than 250 teens from across Canada and the United States will be testing their
environmental knowledge through a variety of challenges at the
competition, which is being hosted in Sackville, New Brunswick from July 24 to 29, 2011.
The new research shows that while 68 per cent of teens surveyed
believe jobs in the environmental sector are increasing, they don't
feel they know enough about the types of jobs available. In fact,
88 per cent agree that more access to information about
environmental jobs is needed.
ECO Canada is a national,
not-for-profit organization that works to ensure an adequate supply
of people with the appropriate skills and knowledge are available
to meet the human resource needs of the environmental sector. The
organization believes this lack of information is a concern for
Canada's green economy.
"With more than 100,000 environmental sector workers expected to
retire within the decade, there are huge opportunities ahead and a
shortage of skilled labour to fill the demand," says Janelle Thomlinson, Director of Research
and Communications at ECO Canada,
which provides environmental career resources for teachers and
students.
"Today's teens need more resources and
guidance to educate them about the types of jobs available if they
want to pursue a green career path."
Every year across North
America, about 500,000 teenagers compete in provincial and
state competitions for the chance to go to the Canon Envirothon,
where they vie to win scholarships, prizes and awards. These teams
are led by volunteer advisors and teachers who train the teens in
hands-on environmental problem-solving after school or on the
weekend.
"Our survey showed us that just 12 per cent of Canadian teens
currently participate in extra-curricular activities that are
focused on the environment, yet a full 86 per cent want more access
to environmental activities in their community," says Colleen Ryan, Senior Director of Corporate
Communications at Canon Canada.
"We're proud to bring environmental learning to students in
communities across North America,
and hopefully inspire them to think about the impact they can have
on our planet - whether they choose a green career or simply live a
more sustainable life."
"The Canon Envirothon offers students at my school a chance to
learn in a hands-on outdoor setting, meet mentors and experts in
the field, and work together to lead and solve problems about the
environment," says Rick Wowchuk, a teacher at Manitoba's Swan
Valley Regional Secondary School, who has participated in the
competition for 14 years.
"The competition provides opportunities they wouldn't have
otherwise and shines a light on the wealth of environmental career
opportunities out there. It would be great if there were more
programs like this in Canada."
Here is a snapshot of additional key findings from the Canadian
teen survey:
- 85 per cent of teens surveyed had started to
seriously think about their career path already, including
67 per cent of grade nine students
- 51 per cent consider job availability when
choosing a future career path
- Of those who are interested in an environmental career,
69 per cent cite making the world a better place
as the reason
- One third (35%) of Canadian teens learn about
possible career paths from their extra-curricular activities
- 77 per cent agree that participating in
environmental extracurricular activities would help with their
decision about whether to pursue a green career
GLOBE Advisors' recent research work on
the green economy in British Columbia confirmed that the
green elements of the economy are growing faster than the economy
as a whole and that a wide variety of existing and new learning
opportunities are available to people interested in
following "green" career paths.
GLOBE's research also revealed that a shortage of
information was available to students and to those interested in
pursuing green career opportunities. As a result, GLOBE published a
number of free
resources on green jobs and related education/training, which are
all availablefrom the Reports section at the following website: www.bcgreeneconomy.com
For more information about the Canon Envirothon please visit http://www.envirothon.org/ and for more
information on ECO Canada, go to
www.eco.ca