Minister Announces 1998 Summer Job Program
The Department of the Environment will hire a record 156 young people this summer, Environment Minister Don Downe announced today.
The Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps will operate 41 projects in 25 communities across the province at a cost of about $450,000.
"The youth corps is an important part of the government's commitment to environmental protection and helping students further their education," said the minister.
Youth corps summer job numbers have steadily increased in the past three years. In 1996, the corps employed 92 people; last year, 120 were employed. More than 1,000 students have worked on Youth Conservation Corps projects since its inception nine years ago.
Young people will gain on-the-job experience in such areas as watershed management, environmental management, organic weed control, solid waste management and trail development. Some will be employed at the department's head office in Halifax to co-ordinate the program across Nova Scotia.
"This is a lot more than just a valuable summer jobs program," said Mr. Downe. The environmental industry sector has more than doubled in size in Nova Scotia in the past five years. Some young people exposed to environmental issues through their youth corps experience may decide to pursue a career in the field. Some current staff of the Department of the Environment were first employed under the youth corps program.
The Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps is a program of the Nova Scotia Department of the Environment. Established in 1989, it provides an opportunity for Nova Scotians between the ages of 17 and 24 to gain environmental work experience.
Job opportunities through this program have been posted at Canada Employment Centres for Students and at regional and district offices of the Department of the Environment. Those interested may also check the job catalogue in the community economic development section at the Internet site http://www.gov.ns.ca/ecor/ced/jobs .
Closing date for applications is May 22. Opportunities are still available until June 1 for youth to create their own job through the Youth Environmental Challenge Program.