GREEN TEAM CONNECTS YOUTH WITH ENVIRONMENT JOBS

Another deadline is upcoming for a highly successful summer employment program that connects the province's young people with careers in the innovative environment sector.

Green Team's deadline for employers hiring post-secondary students has passed but those interested in hiring high school students have until May 1st, 2005 to submit their proposals for funding.

"Green Team 2005 continues to build upon the success of its inaugural year," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "Green Team youth are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about environmental issues and their contributions will benefit their employers, their communities and the province as a whole."

"This program allows youth and employers to become involved in the environment in a practical way," Environment Minister David Forbes said. "It is a prime example of how integrating the environment and the economy is good business and supports our goals of building a green and prosperous economy."

Saskatchewan's Green Team was launched in 2004 by the department of Culture, Youth and Recreation and the department of the Environment. The program is administered by an industry partner, the Saskatchewan Environmental Industry and Managers Association (SEIMA). Grants of either $1,000 for employers hiring high school students or $2,500 to hire students continuing their post-secondary education are available for environmental jobs.

"Green Team provides young people with relevant work experience in the environmental industry sector," SEIMA Executive Director L'Angelle Lunney said. "Equally important, the students discover the enormous opportunity that exists within Saskatchewan's vibrant environmental sector."

The program employed more than 100 high school and post-secondary students in summer jobs last year, giving them valuable work experience and mentorship opportunities in the environmental sector. Participating employers received grants to hire students in positions ranging from instructors at children's ecology camps to members of environmental clean-up crews to tour guides.

For more information or to join, visit the Green Team website at www.greenteam.gov.sk.ca or call the Saskatchewan Environmental Industry and Managers Association at (306) 543-1567.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967