STUDENT GAINS SOCIAL WORK EXPERIENCE THROUGH GOVERNMENT SUMMER JOB

A summer job as a Child Protection Case Aid Worker with the department of Community Resources and Employment has provided Dana Giraudier with valuable experience in the field of social work.

"I'm hoping to get into the Social Work program (at the University of Saskatchewan)," Giraudier said. "Luckily, I got this job and it's related to the field. It's really good work experience and I think it's a great opportunity."

Originally from Assiniboia, Giraudier is a first year pre-Indian Social Work student at the First Nations University of Canada 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.

Giraudier's job consists primarily of job shadowing social workers in the department. This means she works at transporting children into the department's care, serving court papers, supervising visits, and attending meetings between parents and social workers.

"Every worker here has taught me something different. They're willing to help me and teach me all they can," she said. She added that her job has given her significant insight and experience in the field, which will be a valuable advantage when she applies to the Indian Social Work program in Saskatoon.

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