GOVERNMENT SUMMER JOB GIVES RELEVANT EXPERIENCE TO GEOLOGY STUDENT

A summer job as a Petroleum Technician with the cepartment of Industry and Resources is helping Chris Wagner achieve his career and academic goals.

"This job gave me an idea of what I want to do," Wagner said. "This is my first time ever being in a job in my field and I'm going to continue on getting my degree because I enjoy the industry."

Originally from Weyburn, Wagner is a geology student at the University of Regina and one of 502 students hired in 2005 by government departments as part of two summer student programs: the Centennial Student Employment Program (CSEP) and the Student Jobs program.

"We hope these students will find their experiences rewarding," Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission Pat Atkinson said. "When they are finished their education, we encourage them to consider career opportunities in the public service."

Atkinson said student programs are designed to offer students opportunities to gain work experience in the public service within their area of study, and to help offset the costs of education.

In his job, Wagner records data for oil wells across southern Saskatchewan. He has learned a lot on the job and gained valuable experience in the oil industry. Wagner also appreciates using his university education in his job. "I'm often using the applications that I've learned in school to relate things that I see out in the field," he said.

Students in the public service Student Employment Programs work at various jobs including lab assistant, park interpreter and forestry technician. The majority of student positions are for work over the summer months; however, some students will also work part-time during the school year. Other programs of interest to students offered through the provincial public service include internship programs and co-op work-term opportunities.

"The nature of the government workplace is so varied and diverse that we are able to offer students a range of interesting opportunities," Atkinson said. "Often students are able to gain employment in their field of study."

Students who wish to apply for future jobs in government may do so via the Government of Saskatchewan's student jobs web site, located at www.gov.sk.ca/psc/student.

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For More Information, Contact:

Colleen Hawkesford Public Service Commission Regina Phone: (306) 787-5581