GOVERNMENT SUMMER JOB GIVES RELEVANT EXPERIENCE TO THEATRE STUDENT

Jolee Alberts is ready for the stage. A theatre major at the University of Regina, Alberts is spending her summer at the Cypress Hills Provincial Park, where she is working for the department of Environment as an amphitheatre co-ordinator. Alberts is in charge of staging one-act plays for campers at the park.

"It's a wonderful chance to gain some experience in my field," Alberts said. "This will help me when I'm finished my degree. I can say I have experience running a theatre and writing and acting."

Originally from Kerrobert, Alberts is one of 502 students hired in 2005 by Government departments as part of their 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.

Alberts can't help but be enthusiastic about her unique summer job. "It's exactly something that will help me when I'm out of school," she said. "It's right in my field of study, and you know, I love it!"

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