Green Jobs, Green Experts, Green Futures: Empowering Youth through Workplace Exploration

In 2021 The Gaia Project piloted the Green Experts Program, a program that introduces high school students to green careers available in New Brunswick. Since then, the program has continued to evolve, with new and improved program offerings added annually. In the 2024-2025 school year, we set out on an ambitious endeavor- create a micro-internship program to bring high school students to the workplace of a host organization for a one-day internship opportunity. 

This past year, instead of sitting in the classroom, 13 students from grades 9 to 12 participated in immersive visits to environmentally focused workplaces across the province, including: ACAP Saint John, McCain Foods, Ducks Unlimited, SNB Forest Products Marketing Boards, and NB Power. Each visit provided hands-on experiences and meaningful conversations with professionals working in diverse green sectors.

Through these internship opportunities, students participated in a wide variety of tasks that matched their personal interests. Staff from The Gaia Project worked with the students and their teachers to find a host workplace based on student interest, geographic area, and language requirements. If a student was curious about forestry, conservation, energy, or another specific topic, we would do our best to find a host organization in their area willing to bring them on board for a day.

ACAP Saint John: Exploring Local Species and Conservation in New Brunswick

Over the course of the school year, four students were lucky enough to visit ACAP Saint John for a micro-internship. During their visits, they engaged in a variety of fieldwork activities and learned more about local species and environmental projects ACAP is leading.

“I was motivated to become a Green Micro-Internship host to share knowledge about nature and the environment to youth who show an interest in our work. I hope that by sharing whatever knowledge I have and the work we do can help inform youth about the environment and different career paths that might not be as promoted or known in high school, because I certainly didn’t know that what I do was an option at their age…The Green Micro-Internship was a great way to share our work with passionate youth and expose them to the possibilities that are out there for green careers while inspiring them about nature and the environment.”
– Aiden Isbill, Conservation and Restoration Manager, ACAP Saint John 

Aiden Isbill, Conservation and Restoration Manager at ACAP Saint John, conducting fieldwork at one of their study sites.

“The Green Micro-Internship program is so valuable to high school students because it allows them to get hands-on work experience for their future plans. When my friend and I went to ACAP Saint John for our internship, we got to do so many hands-on projects! An outing like this is especially great for people who are planning on going into biochemistry, marine biology, forestry, environmental engineering, and other science-based careers like that in the future. We got to test the health of a stream, collect water samples, help monitor seals, and so much more! We would never have been able to do these things without this opportunity. Going to ACAP was one of the highlights of my year, because now more than ever, I’m excited for my future in a green career.” 
–  Zoe, Student, Kennebecasis Valley High School 

SNB Forest Products Marketing Board: Frosty Forestry

On a snowy, winter day in February, Ainslee MacMillan, Program Manager at The Gaia Project, Jeremy Hebert-Chelsey, District Forester at SNB Forest Products Marketing Board, and Victoria, a student from Kennebecasis Valley High School, bundled up and headed out to the woods. Victoria had the chance to visit an active forestry operation, as well as a small local woodlot set up as a maple syrup operation. This micro-internship was set up based on Victoria’s existing keen interest in the forestry sector in New Brunswick, and Victoria’s teacher, Jordyn Garnett had great things to say about her experience… 

“Victoria chose to participate in the micro-internship program as a part of her final Environmental Science 120 project. She knew that she was interested in a career in the environment but wasn’t sure exactly what she wanted to do with her future. Throughout the course, we had multiple presenters come in from around New Brunswick to tell us about their careers and that led Victoria to identify that she was interested in forestry. I knew that she was looking forward to the opportunity, but I think she was surprised with how much she actually enjoyed herself. When she returned after working with SNB Forest Products Marketing Board and I asked her how it went, her eyes lit up and she said, “It was so awesome!”. She told me about everything she was able to do and how much she learned. It’s amazing to see a young student get invested in something that they could make a successful career out of. If she ends up changing her mind down the road, it’s still a great memory for her to look back on. I’m so grateful that she was able to have this experience!” 
– Jordyn Garnett, Teacher, Kennebecasis Valley High School 

The Green Micro-Internship program has proven beneficial to both the students and host organizations, and showcases the benefit of mentorship and collaboration. With 100% of program participants identifying that this experience has increased their likelihood of pursuing a green career in the future, New Brunswick youth are set to redefine what’s possible in New Brunswick’s growing environmental sectors. 

The Impact is clear; New Brunswick high school students are eager to explore what a green career might look like for them. And with a mission to empower youth to take action on climate change through education, we are excited to continue to mobilize the next generation to take the ultimate climate action – a career in the green economy!

Interested in registering or learning more about our Green Micro-Internships program? Click here to connect with our team and find an opportunity that’s right for you! 

Author: Ainslee MacMillan, Program Manager, The Gaia Project

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