March 22, 2000
(Public Service Commission)

Graduate Recruitment Strategy is announced

Additional funding has been secured by the Public Service Commission to increase the number of graduate recruits to 15 annually, commencing in 2000-2001. The continuation of the Graduate Recruitment Program was announced by the provincial government in today�s budget as part of a broader initiative aimed at the development of the public service.

For the fiscal year of 1999-2000, the Public Service Commission received funding to recruit five recent graduates from recognized post-secondary institutions within the province. The Graduate Recruitment Program will be an ongoing program of the provincial government. Existing staff and other resources will be used to support the program. Graduates will be hired into entry-level, unclassified, non-bargaining positions and rotate through at least four work assignments over a two-year period. The work assignments will provide valuable experience for graduates, as well as benefit the organization. Following successful program completion, graduates will be given eligibility status to apply for positions within the public service.

This new program is part of a government-wide initiative to ensure the public service can respond to significant upcoming demographic change. Over the past several years, new resources have increased the level of training and development activities for all employees. This new program will complement the current organization, and bring into the public service, young graduates who will be among the leaders of the future.

As one of the strategies under the Public Service Reform Initiative, the Graduate Recruitment Program will inform potential recruits that the public service offers a broad spectrum of career choices and developmental activities, and that it supports youth employment and opportunity by introducing new and fresh perspectives into the system.

Selection of candidates for the program is conducted by the Public Service Commission. After a comprehensive, objective process, the first five individuals began their internships in various assignments throughout government during the month of March.

Media contact: Melony O�Neill, Communications, (709) 729-2587.

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