PROGRAM BENEFITS STUDENTS AND EMPLOYERS

The provincial government launched the third year of the Centennial Student Employment Program (CSEP) today at the Moose Jaw SIAST-Palliser Campus 23rd Annual Career Day.

Since its inception, CSEP has helped over 3,000 students find meaningful employment experience throughout 100 Saskatchewan communities. CSEP is a five-year program specifically designed to help Saskatchewan students 16 years and older find employment related to their current field of study or future career ambition. The program provides employers with subsidies of up to 75 per cent of student job costs, to a maximum of $3,500 per job.

"This program is designed to create jobs that give young people opportunities to build their careers right here in Saskatchewan," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joanne Crofford said. "By connecting Saskatchewan youth with Saskatchewan employers in meaningful jobs, we are building a stronger provincial community for today and tomorrow."

Last year's survey of CSEP participants showed over 95 per cent of students found that the quality of their job experience was satisfactory or better, and 68 per cent of students said the job influenced their field of study or future career ambition. In addition, 98 per cent of employers said that the student's contribution to their organization either met or exceeded their expectations.

"Last year we hired seven students through CSEP and it was such a valuable experience," Moose Jaw Parks and Recreation Board Director Scott Osmachenko said. "CSEP greatly improved our recreation programming because we were able to hire students who were passionate about their work, and to me that is integral to success."

For more information, please visit the Centennial Student Employment Program web site at www.cyr.gov.sk.ca, or call the department of Culture, Youth and Recreation at (306) 787-5729.

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For More Information, Contact:

Sandhya Padmanabh CYR Regina Phone: 787-4967