The Provincial Government is calling for applications from employers to get students working with enhanced employment programs that prepare them to enter the workforce and assist businesses to operate more affordably.
In response to the unique challenges created by COVID-19, 2021 programs include greater support and broader eligibility options:
- Increased Funding – to over $3.7 million from $2.1 million in 2020 – a one-time increase through the federally funded Workforce Development Agreement.
- Increased wage subsidies – private sector employers will be eligible to receive a wage subsidy reimbursement of up to 75 per cent of the actual hourly wage (up to a maximum subsidy of $12.50 per hour).
- Consideration for part-time employment – Due to COVID-19, part-time employment will be considered. Under regular rules, all summer employment must be full-time (minimum of 25 hours per week).
Programs include:
Student Summer Employment Program Post-Secondary
Private sector employers now receive a wage subsidy of 75 per cent up to a maximum subsidy of $12.50 per hour, up from $5.70. Employers can hire a post-secondary student for five to 12 weeks, up to 40 hours per week, during the summer. Not-for-profit organizations that hire a post-secondary student receive a wage subsidy of 100 per cent of the hourly minimum wage rate, as well as a reimbursement to cover mandatory employment-related costs.
Student Mentorship Program
Employers now receive a wage subsidy of 75 per cent up to a maximum subsidy of $12.50 per hour, up from $7.00. Employers can hire a student for six to eight weeks during the summer for work in agriculture, aquaculture, oil and gas, technology, fishery, forestry, and not-for-profit sectors.
Students Supporting Communities Program
Employers now receive a grant of $3,650, up from $3,500. This includes $3,000 to hire a 30 hour-per-week position for eight weeks at $12.50 per hour (this can be one position at 30 hours or two positions, if part-time hours); $450 maximum for mandatory employment related costs; and $200 for incidentals related to the position. The program is open to employers, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations who hire students to assist vulnerable Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, particularly resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, such as grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions as well as technology support, virtual tutorials, and more.
Student Summer Employment Program High School
Not-for-profit organizations who hire a high school student for four to eight weeks, up to 40 hours per week, during the summer receive a wage subsidy of 100 per cent of the hourly minimum wage rate as well as 15 per cent to cover mandatory employment-related costs.
The deadline to apply is May 11, 2021.
Quote
“Pandemic times are teaching us all to be more innovative and responsive. These enhanced and increasingly flexible employment programs provide working and learning opportunities while bringing the unmatched energy and enthusiasm of students to businesses and not-for-profits who are working towards economic recovery. The valuable experience high school and post-secondary students gain from summer jobs will help them pursue their chosen career, right here at home.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth, and Skills
– 30 –
Learn more
Student Summer Employment Program Post-Secondary
Students Supporting Communities Program
Student Summer Employment Program High School
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @IPGS_GovNL
Like us on Facebook
Media contact
Ryan Crocker
Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
709-725-9595
ryancrocker@gov.nl.ca