The RCMP are running their annual Youth Academy this August and are now inviting Richmond students in Grades 10 to 12 to apply.
The five-day immersive program, which takes place at McNair secondary from Aug. 11 to 16, is designed for students interested in a career in law enforcement or a related field.
Selected participants will engage in hands-on training designed to give them an understanding of what police officers deal with on a daily basis.
This includes learning about police duties and criminal justice in Canada, developing skills in teamwork, public speaking and self-discipline, participating in physical fitness drills, tactical training, and scenario-based exercises and mentorship by a police officer.
Various specialty units within the RCMP contribute to the program, including specialized police instructors, RCMP fitness coordinators, police dog services, forensic identification, emergency response and more.
Under the guidance of Richmond RCMP officers, students will gain valuable life skills including self confidence, discipline, respect as well as insight into a career in law enforcement, the RCMP said in a press release.
“Youth Academy is an amazing opportunity for students to connect directly with officers and develop some of these skills early on,” said Const. Alison Roberts, Richmond RCMP Youth Liaison Officer.
“We have past Youth Academy graduates who are now Richmond RCMP volunteers, and some are in the application process of joining the RCMP as officers. We look forward to seeing more of our graduates go on to become volunteers, officers or contribute to public safety in their own way.
Application deadline on April 2
Interested Richmond students can obtain an application from their school’s career information advisor or by contacting [email protected].
The application deadline is Wednesday, April 2, at 4 p.m.
This is a competitive program, and successful candidates will undergo an application process that includes a background check, fitness assessment and interview.
The cost to attend is $200, and this covers meals, uniforms and training materials.
Financial assistance is available for students who demonstrate a need.
For more information, contact [email protected] or speak to your school’s career information advisor.
The Richmond RCMP Youth Academy was developed by two Richmond RCMP school liaison officers in 2022 and has been hosted annually since then by the Richmond RCMP Youth Section.
The Youth Academy is supported by Richmond RCMP officers, employees and Richmond RCMP volunteers.
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