Student Summer Employment Program — High school

The Summer Employment Program for Students (SEPS) offers a chance for employers in Newfoundland and Labrador to enhance their workforce by hiring students, while providing valuable work experience that sets the stage for students' future career success. This program is an opportunity for both the private sector and not-for-profit organizations to invest in the next generation of workers.

The Summer Employment Program for Students (SEPS) is a robust initiative spearheaded to provide meaningful summer work opportunities to students either in high school or transitioning into, or already attending, post-secondary education. This program serves as a critical bridge connecting educational pursuits with practical work experiences, thus fostering a smoother transition into the labor market for young individuals. Designed to partner with employers across Newfoundland and Labrador, SEPS offers substantial financial support to employers who participate, ensuring that they can hire and mentor students effectively.

The SEPS program has been structured by merging previously separate high school and post-secondary student initiatives. This amalgamation allows for greater flexibility in the employment scope, timelines, and operational realms catered by employers. Businesses and not-for-profit organizations can utilize this program to reinforce their operational capacity during the summer months—traditionally a time of increased activity—by integrating eager and capable students into their workforce.

For the private sector, the program extends a subsidy of up to $3,000 per full-time equivalent student employment approval, while not-for-profits can access up to $5,000. This funding not only makes the prospect of hiring students more feasible but also allows employers to direct more resources into creating a supportive and enriching work environment where students can thrive.

Employers are encouraged to exceed minimum wage offer thresholds and to emphasize mentoring and skill-building opportunities for their young employees. This focus not only enriches the students' work experience but also enhances the quality of work provided to the employers. SEPS emphasizes the formation of a safe, non-discriminatory workplace where students can gain insights into professional norms and workplace dynamics. Moreover, leveraging this program allows students to gain proficiency in roles that mirror their future career ambitions, making them more competitive in the job market upon graduation. Employers who partake in SEPS often find this investment in student employment brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to their operations, benefiting both the learner and the broader organizational goals.

The application process for SEPS is straightforward, though detailed, to ensure equity and effectiveness in allocation of funds and support. Employers are required to register as a government vendor and submit an application through the LaMPSS system, detailing their employment plans and the roles students would fill during the summer period. Upon approval, employers must quickly confirm and submit details of the prospective student hires, ensuring timely implementation of the employment arrangement before the onset of Fall academic sessions.

Through SEPS, the government underscores its commitment to nurturing future workforce readiness while simultaneously supporting the economic fabric of local communities. Transparent application processes, structured assessment timelines, and significant subsidy offerings make this an attractive proposition for employers prepared to foster youth skill acquisition and professional growth.