Youth Transition: From Work to
Post-secondary Education

Work Terms | Recruitment and Interviews | Wages and Support for Youth | Transition

Youth Transition provides 2009 high school graduates a meaningful work experience and a bursary.

Terms of employment are flexible and can vary from 10 to 14 months between July 2, 2009 and August 31, 2010.

The purpose is to assist and encourage students who lack the funds to continue their education the opportunity to enroll in post-secondary education in September 2010. Youth who successfully complete their work experience (minimum 1450 hours) and enroll in a post-secondary institution will receive a $3,000 bursary in addition to their salaries.

Work Terms

The jobs must provide youth with a meaningful work experience that will help develop their skills, build confidence and provide them with exposure to careers in Manitoba. Participating employers assign a mentor to work with the youth for the duration of their employment.

Recruitment and Interviews

Youth Transition recruits candidates and coordinates interviews which occur in May 2009. Employers are encouraged to make offers of employment by the end of June in order to allow youth to register for part-time post-secondary programs if they wish to. Graduates are recruited through high school counselors who are familiar with their student population. Priority is given to students between the ages of 16-21 who are committed to post-secondary education and lack the financial means to continue their education without the financial incentive and support provided by Youth Transition.

Wages and Support for Youth

The hiring employers determine student wages. For example, students hired by the Manitoba Civil Service are paid $9.71/hour and those who take on additional responsibilities during their work terms are eligible to be paid at a higher rate. Private sector employers are eligible for a wage subsidy. Youth Transition staff coordinates monthly sessions to provide youth with information on topics such as post-secondary education, career planning and the labour market. The sessions help to keep the students focused on their educational goals. Student participation in the sessions is dependent of their workload and their employers' approval.

Transition

Youth provide feedback on their experience and supervisors are asked to provide them with letters of reference at the end of their work term. An additional wage subsidy is available for private sector employers who employ their participants part-time once they are enrolled in post-secondary education.

For information on Youth Transition and completing the application form contact:

Sarah Cisaroski
Telephone: (204) 945-5397
Toll-Free: 1-800-282-8069 ext. 5397
Fax: (204) 945-5726
Email: sarah.cisaroski@gov.mb.ca