Minister comments on successful year for student employment

Sandra Kelly, Minister of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education, today commented on the success of student summer employment in the province.

"From all indications, this has been a very successful year for student employment programs in the province," said Minister Kelly. "Increased provincial funding, through the recently announced Student Investment Opportunity Corporation, enabled us to increase the number of jobs available in the province by five per cent and, perhaps more importantly, enabled us to increase the value of all jobs and tuition vouchers available by 25 per cent. Students are returning to school this fall having gained more experience, worked longer and earned more money than any other summer on record."

In excess of 3,000 students have received employment through various employment programs in the province, including the Student Work and Service Program (SWASP), Student Employment Program (Levels I, II and III high school program), SWASP Community Services Program and the Graduate Employment Program. Funding levels for all program areas was increased across the board and $2 million was levered from the private sector. The majority of all applications received under the SWASP program received approval due to these increases.

"The best news perhaps is the significant employment success story in rural Newfoundland," said Minister Kelly. "I am pleased to report that 75 per cent of student placements occurred in rural areas of the province, providing students with an opportunity to find gainful employment in their home communities."

The minister continued: "The employment programs offered by this department are critical in addressing students� needs regarding post-secondary education costs and youth unemployment. The youth unemployment rate is trending downward as more youth are attending post-secondary studies but it still remains high. Successful seasons, such as this past summer, will go a long way toward providing students with valuable work experience and funds they need to complete their studies in a timely, efficient manner that will lead to long term employment upon graduation."

Media contact: Janice Lockyer, Communications, (709) 729-5730

2001 08 21                                                     12:05 p.m.