Wendy Lyn (left), owner of Happy Cow Ice Cream & Desserts in Fernie, was able to hire student Katelin Pater (right) in summer 2016
Application guidelines now online for popular Summer Works program
If you run a small business that could benefit from hiring a summer student, act now to learn more about our Summer Works program.
Administered by College of the Rockies, Summer Works helps small businesses hire high school and post-secondary students for summer jobs. It offers a wage subsidy of $7/hour for entry-level jobs and $8/hour for career-related jobs.
Applications are now being accepted on a first-received, first served basis. To read the application guidelines and apply, go to ourtrust.org/summerworks.
“Small businesses can find themselves in a tough situation: they need to hire someone to grow, and yet they can’t afford the wages,” said Lisa Kilpatrick, Columbia Basin Trust Senior Manager, Economic. “The Summer Works program helps alleviate these financial concerns, influences the success of the business and impacts the economy as a whole. It also helps ensure our young people gain the experience and earn the incomes they need to pursue their goals.”
Fernie’s Happy Cow Ice Cream & Desserts has used the program several times to hire summer students.
“This is such a fantastic program in that it allows employers to mentor a student while gaining valuable help in your business,” said owner Wendy Lyn. “Without the help of the Columbia Basin Trust funding, I would not have been able to expand my business as much as we did. Last year we saw a 35 per cent increase in sales.”
Economic development is a priority for Basin residents and is one of the Trust’s 13 strategic priorities. Learn the many ways the Trust is helping create a diverse and resilient Basin economy at ourtrust.org/economy.
