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Province Launches 2014 Youth Summer Employment Programs, Helping Youth Get Their First Job at Home in Manitoba

The Manitoba government has launched this year’s summer employment programs, creating more than 3,600 jobs for young people across the province including more than 100 new Green Team positions, Children and Youth Opportunities Minister Kevin Chief announced today.

“We know that if young people get their first job here, the chances of them staying here increase dramatically,” said Minister Chief.  “When you get that critical first job, you really start to get a sense of where you want to go and what you want to be.  I am so proud to work with communities and organizations across Manitoba that are committed to giving our young people the skills and experiences they’ll need for a successful future.”

Minister Chief noted an additional $500,000 for Green Teams in Budget 2014 will create 110 new positions for this year’s programs and contribute to higher wages and more hours for employees.  There will be 530 projects this year operated in partnership with not-for-profit organizations and rural municipalities.

“The AMM is very pleased to see additional positions being added to the Hometown Green Team Program,” said Doug Dobrowolski, president, the Association of Manitoba Municipalities.  “Promoting this type of community involvement in rural areas provides valuable employment opportunities and improves Manitoba’s neighbourhoods while developing young leaders.”

This year, the Manitoba government is contributing more than $7.4 million to various summer employment programs including:

• Green Teams – Over 1,200 summer jobs for young people across the province focused on making a difference in Manitoba communities and developing the skills to become a leader.  In addition to employment opportunities, up to 20 $500 scholarships will be awarded to participants who show how their project benefited their community.
• STEP Services – Over 850 students will find summer jobs with provincial government departments, agencies and Crown corporations through Manitoba’s official student employment placement service.
• Manitoba Youth Job Centres (MYJCs) – Resource centres for students and youth that provide free employment referral service by matching qualified, enthusiastic young people with summer jobs through local employers.  Young people can also get information on career development and job skills including resume preparation, interview assistance and job-search techniques.
• The Odd Job Squad – Operated by MYJC offices, this casual job program for 12- to 16-year-olds gives kids a chance to start developing important job skills through supervised work and volunteer experiences designed for young people.
• Career Focus – Manitoba will help more than 290 students benefit from career-related work experience this summer by helping employers cover the cost of wages.