STUDENT JOBS AVAILABLE IN THE SASKATCHEWAN PUBLIC SERVICE

Released on February 17, 2009

Minister Elhard Encourages Students to Consider Public Service

With over 400 student jobs available during the summer, the public service is one of the largest employers of students in the province. Positions are available across the province, and throughout Government of Saskatchewan ministries. Employment is available with the Ministry of Highways, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport to name just a few.

"We have a range of opportunities available to students during the summer and throughout the year," Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission Wayne Elhard said. "We appreciate having students in our workplace because they bring new ideas and fresh perspectives to any project in which they are involved."

Students are encouraged to apply online through the Career Centre at www.careers.gov.sk.ca/studentjobs. Random referrals then match jobs to student interests, including location, availability and qualifications. The randomly-generated student names are forwarded to ministries for assessment and hiring.

Students can also be rehired from the previous year, provided they go back to similar jobs. This allows them to increase their experience and build networks, which may help them compete for future public service jobs.

Jordan Utke, a Petroleum and Natural Gas Technician with the Ministry of Energy and Resources is proof of how summer work experience with the Saskatchewan public service can benefit a young person. While he was pursuing his Bachelor's Degree in Geography at the University of Regina, Jordan spent his summers doing work that related to his education. "My summer student status definitely helped me get the job I have today," Utke said.

The majority of student hiring takes place in late March and throughout April, and most students are hired to work from May to August. However, there are also opportunities available throughout the year, including co-op work terms, student jobs and internships.

Previously, summer opportunities in the public service have included jobs in research, geology, administration, park and highway maintenance and social services.

University of Regina Business Administration student Allison Weed understands all about student hiring in the public service. She is spending her program work term with the Public Service Commission (PSC), where she is employed as the Student Referral Administrator for the Student Jobs Program.

"My role at the PSC is to be the first point of contact for students and managers for the Student Jobs Program," Week said. "I respond to inquiries about the program, and refer potential candidates to hiring managers within the public service. I also attend career fairs and information sessions to speak with students one-on-one about jobs in the public service."

Weed appreciates being able to help the public and fellow students with their search for a student job. "I would encourage students to apply as early in the year as possible," Allison said. "There are lots of great opportunities throughout ministries that will provide excellent work opportunities over the summer and throughout the year."

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For more information, contact:

Colleen Hawkesford
Public Service Commission
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5581