Spotlight Staff
Alberta employers looking to hire students for the summer can now apply for the Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP).

Recent improvements to the application process makes it easier than ever to apply for STEP, says a news release from the Government of Alberta.
STEP provides funding to eligible Alberta employers to hire summer students.

Employers receive a $7-per-hour wage subsidy to provide students with work experience from May to August.

“We’re pleased to help students access job opportunities through STEP again this summer following a successful re-launch last year,” Labour Minister Christina Gray says.

“This program helps young Albertans develop important job skills on the road to rewarding careers, while also helping employers hire the staff they need.”

The program is available to small businesses, non-profit organizations, municipalities, First Nations and Métis settlements, public libraries, school divisions, and publicly funded post-secondary institutions.

STEP has been slightly changed this year to better support students and ensure as many employers as possible can participate.

Minor administrative changes will also improve the application process, making it simpler for employers to hire multiple students under the program.

The program is part of the Government of Alberta’s “Future Ready” effort to co-ordinate education and training from kindergarten to work so all Albertans have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a changing economy.

Last year, STEP helped about 2,700 students connect to valuable work experience with more than 1,200 employers across the province.

The program was restored in 2015 after being cut in March 2013 by the previous (Progressive Conservative) government.

The Alberta Jobs Plan has $10 million budgeted for STEP each year, starting in 2016-17.

Applications must be submitted before Feb. 24.

Information and application forms are available online at AlbertaCanada.com/STEP.