Teens Explore Career Opportunities
High school students from the Jane and Finch community were given a chance to see behind the scenes at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and hear from career mentors during a day-long event.
“Our leading mandate is to try to get young people that have been impacted by gun and gang violence into areas where they can explore possibilities,” said #Engage416 Detective Constable Martin Douglas said. “In this particular case, the Boys and Girls Club approached us about doing something specific for girls in the Jane & Finch community and we came up with this idea.”
In addition to getting the opportunity to explore careers in marine life management and employment with Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, the young girls were exposed to presentations from women who are excelling the community.
The girls heard from women in a variety of careers including transit operators, carpenters and skilled trades, security and policing were done at Toronto Police College.
“We are just trying to get these girls out of their bubble and have them experience something outside of what they see every day,” Douglas added.
Visitors to the 140,000 square-foot Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada can view over 16,000 animals. The program participants, however, got to see behind the scenes of the aquarium and hear from people working there in a variety of roles.
“I love opening the doors to make this facility more accessible,” said Rachel Cruwys, the Manager of Community Relations and Executive Assistant to the General Manager. “I want everyone in Toronto who have not been here as yet to come. I want them to see and experience new things and meet the people who run the building.”
The teens were also offered to apply to join the Ripley’s team right away in customer service roles.
Thuraya Suliman, who is entering Grade 11 next school year, was excited to be selected to take part.
“I am always seeking knowledge so I can get to learn about things that I don’t know,” said Suliman, who was interested in the presentations on marine life but also women talking about different careers.
Risa Antoine, the Jane & Finch Boys and Girls Club Community Director, said the trip offers an opportunity for the young girls to come out of their comfort zone.
“I am hoping this will open their eyes to other careers that may wish to consider,” she said. “This is a way of getting to see things outside their community that they can explore. We want them to know there are other options besides daycare and support workers.”
Constables Alphonso Carter, Vijay De Guerra and Martin Douglas of the Project #Engage 416 team co-ordinated the trip.
Several Project #Engage 416 stakeholders supported the one-day event.
They include Ripley’s, the Carpenters Union Local 27, the Toronto Transit Commission, the Oaks Revitalization Association and GardaWorld.
