STEP helps students become “Future Ready”

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.

“STEP is a great bridge between education and a rewarding career in a diversified economy. Our government is pleased that we were able to help more than 1,200 employers this summer. Through work experience, STEP is extremely valuable to students learning important job skills and lessons that will help prepare them for success in their future.”

“As a proud Alberta-based business, PowerHouse Data Centre Group is focused on supporting growth and innovation. STEP supported our continued growth, enabling us to hire two skilled university students this past summer. The program offered us the opportunity to positively contribute to Alberta’s future by providing our students valuable real world experience and education we expect they will carry forward to their future careers.”

“As an accounting student, STEP provided an opportunity for PowerHouse to create a position that may not have been available to me otherwise. Working for an entrepreneurial company gave me the ability to challenge my skills in many different aspects of business, expanding my overall knowledge. I am grateful for what I’ve learned from this team.”

The Summer Temporary Employment Program subsidizes employers who hire summer students by providing a $7-per-hour wage subsidy. Alberta employers were approved for approximately 2,700 student positions this summer.

Funding was allocated this past summer by employer type and location to ensure a range of organizations benefited from the grants. For the first time, STEP was expanded this year to include small business.

The program was restored in 2015 after being cut in March 2013 by the previous government. The Alberta Jobs Plan has $10 million budgeted for STEP each year, starting in 2016-17.