2003 employment program for social work students announced

Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education Minister Anna Thistle and Health and Community Services Minister Gerald Smith are pleased to announce that the Social Work Student Employment Program will be offered again this year.

First offered in 2002, the benefits of this program are two-fold, as students gain relevant work experience and employers are provided an opportunity to begin early recruitment efforts.

"The program will place 15, fourth-year Bachelor of Social Work students throughout rural Newfoundland and Labrador for a 12-week period," said Minister Thistle. "Government wants to increase the number of social work graduates who practice in this province, particularly in rural areas. This work experience could very well assist them in making a long-term commitment."

Some $59,950 has been budgeted by the Department of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education for the program. An additional $12,500 will come from the Department of Health and Community Services. Students hired will earn a wage of $8 per hour, plus an additional $2 per hour in the form of a tuition voucher.

"We are committed to working to recruit and retain health professionals in this province, particularly in our rural areas. This program will help us overcome our recruitment issues and encourage social workers to practice in this province," said Minister Smith. "It is through innovative programs like this, that we will ensure all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have access to the programs and services they need."

Students interested in applying for these positions should contact the Social Work Student Employment Program at: (709) 738-4800.

Media contact:
          Kathy Dicks-Peyton, Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education, (709) 729-6573
          Diane Keough, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377

2003 04 15                                       10:15 a.m.