YOUTH LOOKING FOR SUMMER JOBS MUST COMPLETE WORKER READINESS CERTIFICATE COURSE

Summer is fast approaching and youth in the province, 14 and 15 year-olds, who are interested in summer jobs, must complete Saskatchewan's Young Worker Readiness Certificate Course (YWRCC) in order to work.

The course teaches youth about their rights and responsibilities, hazards in the workplace and provides occupational health and safety information.

"This course is critical for helping youth to gain information that will enable them to safely engage in the workplace," Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. "Youth and new workers experience higher rates of injuries, so we want to make sure they have the opportunity to learn about health and safety practices."

The course can be taken online at www.lrws.gov.sk.ca/ywrcc. Fourteen and 15 year olds working in the province must complete the course under Saskatchewan's Minimum Wage Regulations. Young workers under the age of 16 must also obtain consent from their parent or guardian.

Since the 2010 launch of the online certificate course, 10,274 Young Workers Employment Certificates have been issued. The online course is currently being updated to enhance its interactivity and usability.

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For more information, contact:

Shannon McMillan
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1331