Manitoba Youth Job Centres are now up and running throughout the province.

The centres offer free programs and services to youth ages 12 to 29, which aim to improve their job experience and skills such as forming cover letters and resumes, job searching, career development, and interview skills.

MYJCs also run a program called the Odd Job Squad, designed for students between 12 and 16 years old. The paid activities in this program can include working at barbecues or selling flowers or ice cream.

The MYJC also calls on homeowners and employers to participate.

"Homeowners can place casual job orders with the centre; this can be anything from babysitting to general yard work," said Devin Vermette, the youth engagement leader at the Morris MYJC. The centre will then refer a student to the business or homeowner, who then has the option to hire the student.

Each centre also offers a one-day job certification program if there are enough students interested. The intent of this program is to teach participants about general job skills such as money management, professionalism, and customer service.

"But then the youth leave with a certificate of completion and it's a really awesome addition to their resume," said Ashley Ginter from the Altona MYJC.

Anyone interested in joining the MYJC can contact their local centre to register. The MYJC will close for the season on August 16.

Local locations include Altona, Carman, Morden, Morris, and Winkler.