FRANCAIS

September 06, 2005

The Manitoba government has committed $200,000 for three programs to provide part-time work opportunities for post-secondary students during the school year, Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.

The Manitoba Mentorships, Youth Serves Manitoba and Part-time STEP programs were launched in September 1998 and have assisted more than 3,200 students over the past seven years.

"These programs give Manitoba students a chance to offset the costs of post-secondary education while developing career-related skills and contacts. Students will also have opportunities to acquire citizenship and leadership skills through employment and community service," Bjornson said. "Our government’s efforts to develop tomorrow’s leaders will help to build a bright future for Manitoba."

"Part of our commitment to youth, as well as to employers and communities, is making post-secondary education accessible and affordable," said Advanced Education and Training Minister Diane McGifford. "These three programs support the province’s efforts to meet this goal and complement other initiatives such as reducing and freezing tuition fees and improving student financial assistance programs."

Manitoba Mentorships provide employers with wage incentives of $3.40 per hour to hire students part-time, in return for providing on-the-job training and mentorship. Student participants 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 charitable organization will receive a $500 bursary towards tuition or student loans after completing 100 hours of service.

Potential student participants can find their own sponsor agency and apply to them, or contact the Volunteer Centre of Winnipeg for assistance in identifying an agency. Sponsoring organizations can apply directly to Youth Serves Manitoba, and contact the Volunteer Centre of Winnipeg or the nearest Student Employment Centre on campus for student referrals.

Part-time STEP is an extension of STEP Services and offers career-related employment with the provincial government and related organizations. Students registered with STEP Services are considered for job referrals. Students wanting to register can visit the provincial website at http://www.studentjobs.gov.mb.ca to be considered for referrals.

The three programs run from Sept. 6, 2005, to April 30, 2006, for university students and Sept. 6, 2005, to June 16, 2006, for college students.

Written information and application forms are available through MB4Youth at
Room 310 – 800 Portage Avenue in Winnipeg. Winnipeg residents can call the office at 945-3556.

Manitobans living outside of Winnipeg can call the office toll-free at 1-800-282-8069, ext. 3556. Additional information and applications are also available on the website at http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/youth/index.html.

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