All signs indicate a successful season for participants of Student Work and Services Program

Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, reports that approximately 1,350 students took advantage of employment opportunities through the Student Work and Services Program (SWASP) this summer. "Some students are finishing the summer placements this week, while others will continue into the first week of September," said Minister Burke. "However, the most recent data collected by our program administrators indicate that the number of students able to avail of the program this year is comparable to last year."

The Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment provides $1.5 million for SWASP. In addition to the creation of student employment positions, eligible employers receive a wage subsidy for payment to students and students receive a $50 per week tuition voucher towards the cost of post-secondary education. Data collected so far this summer shows that approximately $540,000 in tuition vouchers has been earned by students. This is money which would otherwise not be available or would have to come from the students� families.

"Through careful management of our available funding and minor changes to the number of weeks per placement, SWASP continues to be a successful operation, meeting the needs of students seeking work experience and financing for their post-secondary studies," said Minister Burke. "Providing this kind of assistance to our young people remains a priority of my department and this government."

Final data on the number of students participating in the Student Work and Services Program will be available in September.

Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-4062

2004 08 26                                        9:30 a.m.