Released on July 19, 2000
More Saskatchewan young people will have the chance to get some hands-onbusiness experience this year with renewal of the Regional Economic Development
Authority's (REDA) Youth Employment Program.
"This program has helped us provide employment and training opportunities for
young business students and graduates," Economic and Co-operative Development
Minister Janice MacKinnon said. "As well, it has allowed the REDAS to enhance
the business services they are able to offer to their regions."
This is the third year for the program, in which the province provides REDAS
with funding assistance to hire youth trainees.
Young people between the ages of 18 and 29 who have completed at least two
years of post-secondary education in a business program, or who have relevant
experience are eligible to apply. Successful candidates are hired by one of
the province's 28 REDAS for a term of no more than two years.
Through the program, youth are able to gain valuable work experience. They
receive training sessions and mentoring, as well as on the job training in
economic development. The REDAS benefit by getting some extra help to enhance
the services they provide. The youth perform a variety of functions, from
developing and upgrading websites, to compiling regional profiles, to providing
research and business analysis for local entrepreneurs.
In its three years, the Youth Employment Program has been very successful.
Fourty-three young people have participated.
"The training you get from working with a REDA is second to none. The Youth
Employment Program gives students a better appreciation of the economic
development field," Joelene Kotzer-Mitschke, a young participant said. Kotzer-
Mitschke joined the Yellowhead REDA, which serves the Langenburg area, under
the Youth Employment Program. Now, she is a full-time staff member of the REDA.
The provincial government provides 75 per cent of the funding for this program,
and so far has contributed just over $340,000.
Regional Economic Development Authorities are grassroots organizations that
bring together business, co-operatives and local governments to pool their
organizational, professional and financial resources in order to encourage job
creation and investment in the region.
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For more information, contact:
Bob Ellis
Economic and Co-operative Development
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-1691