Local youth and businesses honoured

Area youth and employers were celebrated Wednesday for their efforts and achievements during the Seventh Annual Youth Training Trust Fund Awards hosted by Yes Employment at Inn on the Bay.

The Youth Training Trust Fund (YTTF) was implemented 8 years ago to provide financial support to students and non-students for school bursaries, or employment related supplies, as well as to recognise businesses and not-for profit agencies who go the extra mile to support employment needs of the local youth.

This year Ten area students and young workers were recognised for their ability to overcome great obstacles and still meet their special career achievements over the past year.

Rotacan, Euphoria Smoothies and East Ferris Community Centre and Arena were also celebrated for their outstanding efforts around youth employment and their continued support of the program.

“I am proud of the clients who have worked hard for the employers and for themselves,” said Bernie Penney, Yes Employment board member.

Keynote speaker Dr. Rod Johnston told the recipients that they are in charge of their own destiny and success.

“When I was young I thought life just happened … at 40 I realised you can control it.”

Johnson shared some of the colourful adventures in his life that helped shape the man he is today and noted that successful people aren’t always high school graduates.

"One thing I find amazing is some of the richest business people didn't finish high school."

He told the audience success is not about wealth or who has what, but that it is about achieving one’s true potential.

“Use all of your skills and knowledge,” he said.

Johnson also encouraged the audience to make changes if they are not happy. He challenged them to set a goal and go for it.

“In life I find we are the people who hold ourselves back.”

“It’s important to be scared to death and take risks.”

“The worst thing you can do is fail … then you learn and you know what to fix along the way.”

Each client received a $300 bursary.