Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #05-165
June 20, 2005
Yukon Government Boosts Student Employment Support
WHITEHORSE - The Yukon government has increased funding for the summer Student Employment and Training Program (STEP) for the first time since 1989. Students hired in a variety of government and private sector jobs will now earn $14.40 an hour, $2.90 per hour higher than last year.
"This government is committed to increasing Yukoners' access to post-secondary education," Education Minister John Edzerza said. "By increasing the STEP wages for Yukon students, we are providing a realistic wage that will help to ease the financial burden of post-secondary education costs. STEP also provides students with valuable training experiences in their field of study."
To qualify, students must be enrolled in a post-secondary program and must be Yukon residents. Each STEP job is guaranteed to run for a minimum of 12 weeks. This summer over 70 Yukon government jobs have been filled and 60 jobs were made available in the private sector.
"We value the time and energy our students are committing to their education and we want to support them in their academic endeavours," Edzerza said. "Increasing funding to STEP is one way this government continues to support Yukon students on the road to lifelong learning. We also provide the Yukon Grant and training allowances for Yukon students. Currently over 800 students are receiving some kind of post-secondary financial assistance from the Yukon government."
More information about the Student Employment and Training Program (STEP) is available by calling 667-5927 or by visiting www.education.gov.yk.ca.
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| Contact: | |
| Peter Carr | Clea Ainsworth |
| Cabinet Communications Advisor | Communications Coordinator, Education |
| (867) 667-8688 | (867) 393-7102 |
| peter.carr@gov.yk.ca | clea.ainsworth@gov.yk.ca |