Human Resources 101

As the H.R. Director of a large non-profit, programs like the Alberta Summer Temporary Employment Program are huge benefit. We run a number of summer camping programs for disadvantaged youth and are able to cover a lot of our staffing costs with STEP.

Edmonton… With the increasing demand for workers in Alberta, it has become more difficult for the not-for-profit sector to recruit and retain workers. The provincial government’s Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP) helps not-for-profit organizations find workers they need for the summer months and assists students and other Albertans looking for meaningful summer employment.

“Alberta’s not-for-profit sector is a significant contributor to the province’s economic and social prosperity,” said Iris Evans, Minister of Employment, Immigration and Industry. “STEP helps employers find workers who are interested in pursuing a career in certain fields, and helps community organizations hire top-quality people with exciting, new ideas and energy.

Funding priority for STEP is given to project-based positions that contribute to a person’s future employability. All positions must provide continuous full-time employment of 30 to 40 hours per week for a minimum of six weeks. Workers must be paid at least minimum wage. Government funding from STEP provides $6.05 per hour towards the wage costs.

Employers applying for STEP funding must submit an application by February 28. This year, government expects more than 3,000 people to be employed under STEP. Eligible employers for STEP funding include registered not-for-profit community organizations, First Nations bands, Métis settlements, municipalities, regional health authorities, regional school divisions and post-secondary institutions. This year’s program has a budget of $8 million and runs from April 30 to August 31.

Program information and application forms are available online at www.employment.gov.ab.ca/step or by calling the STEP office at (780) 422-5082 (to call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000).

STEP contributes to the province’s labour force development plan, which includes working with the not-for-profit sector to help them develop a plan to address specific issues in that sector. This plan is expected to be released in the 2007-08 fiscal year.

STEP program helps address Alberta’s labour shortage