CBT Summer Works program full!
By Contributor
The Columbia Basin Trust’s (CBT) 2010 Summer Works Program is fully subscribed, and Basin-based businesses are now employing over 100 students in the region this summer. Launched in March of this year, the pilot program offers up to eight dollars an hour in wage subsidies for small business and social enterprise.
“We are really pleased with the success the Summer Works Program has experienced,” said Neil Muth, CBT President and CEO. “With our new Economic Initiatives Strategic Plan in place, CBT is committed to being responsive to the changing economic landscape. In this instance, we were able to quickly take action on a current market need to support local businesses and employ students.”
Implemented to ease tough economic times, the subsidies are assisting businesses with increased staff during a time when resources are tight, as well as providing summer employment opportunities for students.
“The Summer Works Program has provided me with an employment opportunity
that will help me develop practical business and people skills; skills that I could not necessarily learn in other entry-level jobs, and that will prove essential when I make it into my chosen career path,” said summer student Joy Friesen. And, as a bonus Friesen adds, “I’ll be able to afford to eat next year at university too!”
Friesen’s employer, Suzanne Thompson of Kootenay Therapy Centre in Cranbrook says the program is helping her assess future full-time employment opportunities.
“Funding through the Summer Works Program has allowed us to hire a student through the summer to assist with creating patient education and business development materials,” said Thompson. “In addition, we now have the opportunity to determine the needs of a potential new staffing position for the fall. None of this would be possible without the support of Columbia Basin Trust. Thanks!”
Evaluation of the Summer Works Program will be completed in the fall to determine if it will be offered next year.
Comments