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SkillsPEI is now taking applications from employers and students for its youth focused career support programs for 2015-16, says Allen Roach, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning.

“It’s that time of year when students begin thinking about jobs for the summer. Many of our SkillsPEI programs provide an excellent way for post-secondary students to obtain summer employment that offers training and experience while helping to support their future studies,” said Minister Roach. “Through these programs we are encouraging and supporting Island employers who are interested in hiring post secondary students and graduates, as well as providing young people with valuable work experience and mentorship.”

Three youth focused career support programs are now open for applications. They include the Post-Secondary Summer Employment Program, a new initiative entitled the Career Prep Program, and the Graduate Mentorship Program.

The Post Secondary Summer Employment Program provides Island students with meaningful summer work experiences related to their field of study. Island residents who have graduated from Grade 12 and/or have attended a post-secondary institution full time in the current year, and intend to return to full-time studies in the fall are eligible to apply. Last summer the Post Secondary Summer Employment Program assisted 100 Island students, and 85 employers.

The new Career Prep Program is designed to provide post-secondary students in their final year of study with an opportunity to secure employment in their chosen field prior to graduation. Students will be hired by employers in spring 2015 and receive full-time employment during the summer months until the fall and then part-time employment during the winter while completing their final year of study in 2015-16.

The Grad Mentorship Program has seen great success over the past number of years. Graduates have experienced 80 percent employment retention in the Island economy. The Grad Mentorship Program has seen 224 participants over the past three years. The Grad Mentorship Program provides recent post-secondary graduates with career experiences and mentorship opportunities in their fields of study. The Graduate Mentorship Program encourages employers in Prince Edward Island to hire and provide post-secondary graduates with valuable work experiences and mentorship opportunities in their fields of study.

For more information on these programs, visit www.skillspei.com.