Graduate Recruitment Strategy to continue

The Public Service Commission, the agency responsible for Public Service Reform, has received funding of $900,000 for 30 graduates for the fiscal year of 2001-2002 for the continuation of the Graduate Recruitment Program. This program is 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 its first five recent graduates from recognized post-secondary institutions within the province. In October 2000, an additional 15 graduates were hired. The next phase of the program will see 10 new graduates coming on board with the provincial government in the spring of 2001. 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 three 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 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, as well as increased the activities focused on employee wellness and morale. 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 public service.

The Public Service Commission has responsibility for the Graduate Recruitment Program, including overall management and recruitment. Persons interested in the program may contact Anne Marie McGrath at (709) 729-5821.

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

2001 03 22              4:55 p.m.