News release

More Summer Jobs for Nova Scotia Students

Economic and Rural Development and Tourism (Jan. 2011 - April 2015)

Nova Scotia students will gain valuable work experience this year through hundreds of additional summer jobs supported by government.

Two-hundred-and-fifty new positions are being added for a total of 750. Most of the new jobs will be available in rural communities.

This year, the Heritage Association of Antigonish has hired St. Francis Xavier history student Matt Howard. He will be interviewing local seniors as part of the Antigonish Memory Project.

"I'm really looking forward to capturing these stories, and contributing to an organization that is important to my community," said Mr. Howard. "This experience will be something that sticks with me wherever I work in the future, and I appreciate that this is an opportunity to start building my career on a strong foundation."

The Student Career Skills Development Program helps non-profit organizations cover the cost of hiring post-secondary students in jobs related to their field of study. Government increased the budget by $1 million this year to $2.9 million.

"We wanted to reach areas where these jobs will have the biggest impact, so more young people can live and work near family and friends," said Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Michel Samson. "Helping students get experience that leads to meaningful, career-related employment is the best way to encourage them to stay in Nova Scotia once they graduate."

Students can find jobs at http://novascotia.ca/econ/sep/scsdp/ .

"These students bring more to our organization than an extra set of hands, they really give us a fresh perspective," said Antigonish Heritage Association member Jocelyn Gillis. "We get the benefit of their enthusiasm and creativity, and as a result our facility accomplishes more and provides a better experience to our visitors."

In total, 1,200 career-related summer jobs and co-op placements will be available to university and community college students this year. Government had announced 100 more co-op placements across the province, for a total of 425 this year.

In the coming months, government will announce details of a new Graduate to Opportunity program. The goal is to encourage more employers to help young people start and continue their careers in Nova Scotia.