Businesses and organizations throughout the province are encouraged to submit an application to receive funding through the Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP) by this Friday (February 9).

The program enables small businesses, non-profit organizations, public libraries, municipalities, First Nations, Métis Settlements, publicly funded post-secondary institutions and school boards to hire returning students with a wage subsidy of $7 per hour for work opportunities between four and 16 weeks.

Last summer, thirteen employers were able to take advantage of the program allowing for 25 students to be put to work all while saving businesses and organizations some cash.  A total of $92,757 was accessed through STEP with the top five employers being the Town of Cochrane, Great Things in Store, Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (SLSFSC), The Crossing at Ghost River, and Bow Rivers Edge Campground.

This year, SLSFSC already has their application in. Robin Mitchell, General Manager of SLSFSC says they are once again looking to hire students through the program. "Last year we received funding for three STEP positions for the Summer Day Camps. This year, SLSFSC has once again applied to STEP for 3 positions, to assist in the Summer Day Camps. The STEP program funding pays a portion of the student's wages which assists SLS FSC in keeping the price of the Summer Day Camps at a reasonable rate."

Mitchell adds they are able to hire post-secondary students to join the team from May through August, and he feels all parties view the program as successful. "Ideally, the students that we hire gain valuable work experience and improve their skill set that they can use in their future careers. Each year we have been lucky enough to find great students to be Camp Leaders. Both the camp leaders and the participants seem to love their experience and STEP plays a big part in that success."

Minister of Labour, Christina Grey says last summer they were able to help 3000 students province-wide gain valuable work experience. "I encourage all interested employers in the Cochrane area to apply online as soon as possible. STEP is a wonderful program that gives students the opportunity to develop important skills while helping employers hire the staff they need.”

STEP has a budget of 10 million dollars and you can find an application HERE.

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Cochrane Takes Advantage of STEP funding