A new regional program to provide part-time employment for students could also pay up to 80 per cent of the wages small businesses in the area dole out.
School Works Program, a Columbia Basin Trust initiative, provides an $8 per hour wage subsidy to encourage small businesses, non-profit, First Nation and public sector organizations in Trail and the West Kootenay to hire a student for part-time employment.
The $3.5 million commitment over the next five years means full-time high school and post-secondary students in Greater Trail and the region will enjoy employment opportunities.
Check www.cbt.org for current information about this program and others, or call 1-800-505-8998.
The new program is expected to complement CBT’s existing Summer Works Program, creating work experience and enhancing the Basin labour force.
It is estimated that, between the two, there will be up to 900 student jobs created over the next three years.
Both programs are administered by College of the Rockies with the first School Works application intake in Dec. 1 and the next Summer Works intake in February, 2012.