H.R. eSources: Alberta Provincial program funds thousands of summer jobs

STEP helps students get work experience

Edmonton... Alberta's labour crunch and increasing demand for workers has not-for-profit organizations already looking to fill summer jobs. The Alberta government's 2006 Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP) creates summer job opportunities and helps not-for-profits fund those jobs.

"Alberta's hot economy demands workers with the right skills," said Mike Cardinal, Minister of Human Resources and Employment. "STEP students get valuable work experience which makes them more marketable in an economy that is yearning for workers."

STEP helps community organizations find top-quality people to work for them. Organizations benefit from the exciting ideas and energy STEP workers bring to their jobs.

Funding priority is given to project-based positions that contribute to a person's future employability. All positions must provide continuous full-time employment of 30 to 40 hours per week for a minimum of six weeks. Workers must be paid at least minimum wage. Funding from STEP provides $6.05 per hour towards the wage costs.

Employers wanting to apply for STEP funding must submit an application by February 28, 2006. This year, program coordinators expect about 1,600 organizations to apply for STEP funding, and over 3,000 people to be employed under STEP. Eligible employers for STEP funding include registered not-for-profit community organizations, First Nations bands, Métis settlements, municipalities, regional health authorities, regional school divisions and post-secondary institutions. This year's program runs from April 24 to September 1, 2006.

Applications for 2006 will be mailed to employers who previously applied for STEP. Program information and application forms are also available online at www.gov.ab.ca/hre/step or by calling the STEP office at (780) 422-5082 (to call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000).