(Photo courtesy of the Prosperity Roundtable)

A new program is now available for young people looking to get a head start in the skilled trades.

The Prosperity Roundtable in Chatham-Kent is offing training and employment opportunities for youth aged 14-29 as part of a new project called Not Just A Handyman. The project is an introductory training course designed to expose young people to the trades and prepare them to start their journey in the industry.

“I’m really excited to be launching this project in our community,” said William Laurie, the trades and youth mentor for the Prosperity Roundtable, in a news release. “We have heard from a lot of young people, and it is great to see how passionate they are about entering the trades.”

The three-week course pays youth to learn foundational skills and connects them with local businesses that are hiring. Participants will also be given opportunities to participate in networking events and workshops that grow their skills.

The project was made possible through $200,000 in provincial funding, which was announced by Labour Minister Monte McNaughton in April.

Those who are interested in applying can submit an application for one of two summer cohorts — June 27 to July 14 and July 25 to August 11. The deadline for applications is June 22. To apply, click here.