FRANCAIS

September 09, 2004

Three programs that provide part-time employment for more than 400 post-secondary students each school year will receive $200,000 in provincial funding.

The programs, Manitoba Mentorships, Youth Serves Manitoba and Part-Time STEP, are delivered through Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth.

"Since these programs were introduced six years ago, over 2,000 students have benefited from a wide array of employment and community service job opportunities," said Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson. "We’re pleased to continue this funding in support of post-secondary students and the employers who value their contributions in the workplace."

The employment programs support the Manitoba government’s efforts to increase access to post-secondary education.

"While earning extra money for advanced education, students also gain valuable work experience and start to build contacts in the community, business and public sectors," said Advanced Education and Training Minister Diane McGifford. "Practical experience and a good network add to their ability to complete post-secondary education and find employment after graduation."

Manitoba Mentorships provides employers with wage incentives of $3.40 per hour to hire students in return for providing on-the-job training and mentoring. Students are able to pursue career-related experience and establish valuable contacts while supplementing their income during the school year. Participants in this program are encouraged to market their skills to employers who can provide employment relevant to their fields of study.

Through Youth Serves Manitoba, students involved in part-time community service with an incorporated non-profit organization or registered charity will receive either a $500 or $1,000 bursary that can be used toward tuition or a student loan. These incentives are available upon the completion of 100 or 200 hours of community service. Potential student participants can find a sponsor agency and apply to it or contact the Volunteer Centre of Winnipeg for assistance in identifying an agency. Sponsoring organizations can apply directly to Youth Serves Manitoba or contact the Volunteer Centre of Winnipeg or the nearest Student Employment Centre on campus for student referrals.

STEP Services, which provides job referrals to provincial departments and related organizations, includes part-time positions through Part-time STEP. Students can register with STEP Services at http://www.studentjobs.gov.mb.ca to be considered for referrals.

The three programs run from September to the end of the school year. Applications will be accepted until early January 2005 for Manitoba Mentorships and Youth Serves Manitoba.

Information and application forms are available in Winnipeg through MB4Youth at Room 310 - 800 Portage Ave. Winnipeg residents can also phone the office at 945-3556. Manitobans living outside of Winnipeg can phone toll-free at 1-800-282-8069, ext. 3556. Additional information is available on the provincial website at http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/youth/index.html.

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