SUMMER JOB IN PROVINCIAL LAB BENEFITS U OF R BIOLOGY STUDENT

A summer job as a Lab Assistant with the department of Health in the Provincial Health Lab is helping University of Regina student Linda Ogu to gain valuable experience related to her studies in biology.

"There are lots of different directions you can go in the field [of biology]," Ogu said. "I've always had more of an interest in genetics so I feel lucky to have been placed in the DNA lab because I'm doing things that are an extension of that area that I'm interested in."

In her job, Ogu assists lab technicians and supervisors in the DNA lab in Regina. Ogu is 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.

Ogu is excited about the opportunity to apply her academic knowledge. "I most enjoy taking it from the textbook to real life," she said. "It's almost like there's a whole different science to 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