Our Impact
Growing the Green Workforce
As a national organization with a strong presence in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Vancouver, we create pathways for underrepresented youth—especially Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, women, and newcomers—to thrive in the green economy.
Through community-building, professional development, and bold systems change, we are breaking down barriers and opening doors to meaningful, sustainable careers.
Community and Network Growth
At the heart of our work is the power of community. We know that representation, free/low-cost events, and culturally relevant spaces are crucial to feeling a sense of belonging and building support in pursuing green careers.
5000+
event attendees across panels, workshops, retreats, and focus groups since 2022
3000+
members in our Youth Green Jobs Network job board and community
93%
of BIWOC Outdoors Trip participants reported a stronger sense of belonging and community post-retreat
50+
community events delivered in-person and online
20+
partners across the country, including the Academy for Sustainable Innovation, Diversity in Sustainability, Monday Girl, RCAD Initiative, Student Energy and Youthful Cities
Testimonials
“Working with the Green Career Centre has allowed me to build many new and better pre-existing skills. The friendly environment in the GCC allowed room for growth and opportunities for everyone. I’m glad my first work experience was with the GCC, and I hope to continue to do well in the future. I have more skills I have yet to show and skills I want to continue improving on and can’t wait to continue with the GCC in the years to come.”
– Gayathri Seema Baiju, Green Career Centre Team Member
“There were so many participants [at the Green Career Fair]! It was amazing to hear from students and professionals. I got to know the challenges and bottlenecks in their career paths, and found that my organization was an incredible fit for many of them. We got 80+ responses to our “Sign up to learn more” Google Form, which was INCREDIBLE. We have a built-in audience for our program already!”
– Ive Velikova, Green Employer Partner
“This event offered me the opportunity to not only network with potential green employers, but discuss and reflect with like-minded attendees. I was able to meet new friends which enhanced my experience and allowed me to leave the event with so much more than the knowledge of new opportunities, but also several new connections, both professional and personal.”
– Maria Malik, Green Career Fair Participant
“This is the first time I have ever been around [in a] BIWOC outdoor centric trip, and there should be more of them! I felt connected with everyone. It was nice to be on this trip considering there are not many trips like this specifically for BIWOC since lots of BIWOC are excluded from the outdoors due to its expensive costs and usually centers white and male spaces. It felt like an inclusive safe space especially in the DEI context since usually it can [be] difficult to convey your frustrations and be yourself when a lot of us are excluded from these types of nature/outdoor spaces.”
– Khadija Kadu, BIWOC Outdoors Trip Participant
“As a Colombian immigrant, woman of colour and person with a disability, the Youth Green Jobs Network helped me out by making the green job search less stressful. It provided a safe space to express concerns and ask questions. It is a group full of collaboration, [where] members share any information and jobs that they think may benefit others. It [is] also a great space to build my network. I have been able to relate with people that have been in a similar position [as] me and we can collaborate on what each of us has experienced so that all of us succeed. Thanks to the Green Career Centre’s support, I now work at my dream company in conservation fundraising for their national campaigns.”
– Maria Jose Torres, Youth Green Jobs Network Member
“The event was extremely organized and beneficial to me as a student interested in sustainability. Moreover, there were some great tips provided regarding networking and gaining experience in the field. The opportunities and links shared about internships and career sites were also very much appreciated as this information, unfortunately, is not widely known or available to students or recent graduates.”
– Rikika Jain, Workshop Participant
Green Jobs Preparation and Professional Development
We believe that green careers must be accessible. Hence, we support underrepresented youth in building skills, accessing opportunities, and developing the leadership they need to drive change.
We meet youth where they are, removing barriers to access green careers.
200+ free professional development opportunities
provided, including skills training, career coaching, conference access, and headshots
130+ leadership opportunities
created for underrepresented youth through internships and capacity-building retreats
25+ impactful resources
to access green skill building programs, wage subsidy funding, mentorship and more
Systems Change Through Research and Advocacy
Career support is important, but true equity demands systemic change. We work alongside our partners to challenge structures, inform policy, and advocate for a just transition.
Through community based, participatory research and consultation, we’re helping to build more inclusive access to green careers by and for the communities that we represent and serve.
12 national focus groups and consultations hosted
shaping workforce development policy with equity and environment considerations
5 policy reports
published to advance gender, racial and status equity as well as Indigenization
Advocacy for the creation of a Youth Climate Corps
in partnership with the Climate Emergency Unit and Sustainable Youth Canada
Why It Matters
Barriers to green careers are real, and they are systemic.
At Green Career Centre, we break these barriers down by creating safer spaces, offering culturally relevant programs, supporting low-cost education, building networks, and investing in leadership for underrepresented youth who deserve to be seen, heard, and empowered.
High Costs
Makes outdoor experiences, green skills training, and professional development unaffordable for many.
Unsafe Environments
Make it difficult for women to comfortably access and partake in outdoor and green spaces.
Lack of Cultural Relevance
Means many youth don’t see themselves represented in the green economy.
Having No Network and/or Connections
Isolates newcomers and underrepresented youth from curcial career connections.