Support available to hire a student

The Creston and District Society for Community Living is one of the organizations that has benefited from Columbia Basin Trust’s School Works program. L to R: Makaili Mainville, participant of the Therapeutic Riding Program, and Shayla Leacock, student.

Businesses and organizations around the Basin can once again get support to hire students through the School Works program of Columbia Basin Trust (CBT). Applications were available at the School Works program starting August 14, and are assessed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The program provides a wage subsidy of up to $8/hour to encourage employers to provide part-time employment to full-time high school and post-secondary students during the school year. Small businesses and non-profit, First Nation and public sector organizations in the Basin may apply. Changes to the program this year include eligibility for co-op and practicum student positions.

The Creston and District Society for Community Living is one of the organizations that has benefited. It hired a student to help with its Therapeutic Riding Program, which uses horses as therapists to offer people with mental, emotional and/or physical disabilities a range of benefits.

“The School Works program has enabled the Therapeutic Riding Program to employ a student throughout the fall, winter and spring months,” said Michelle Whiteaway, program director and intermediate instructor. “This has been ideal as the program runs lessons during fall and spring, and having a student to help out is very beneficial.”

Student Shayla Leacock had already been working summers with the Therapeutic Riding Program. “When I found out about the School Works program, I was ecstatic that there was a possibility for me to continue my work part time throughout the rest of the year, which corresponds perfectly with my busy school and horse schedule. This has given me the opportunity to save for my education and continue to gain work experience and do what I love.”

This is the third year of the School Works program, which is administered by College of the Rockies (COTR).

“The School Works program provides a fantastic opportunity for businesses in the Basin to hire students, and for the students to gain valuable work experience and increase their skills,” said Tracey Whiting, COTR manager, Contract Training and Business Development. “We receive such excellent feedback from the participants about this program and we are delighted to continue as delivery partner with CBT.”

“CBT has committed $3.5 million over three years to increase employment opportunities for students,” said Neil Muth, CBT president and CEO. “The interest in both the School Works program and its complementary summertime program, Summer Works, has been fantastic. This is an encouraging sign that these programs are having tangible effects in Basin communities.”

Golden’s Bacchus Books is one of the businesses that has benefited from Columbia Basin Trust’s School Works program. L to R: Caleb Moss, employer, and Tori Johnson, student.

The Castlegar Trails Society is one of the organizations that has benefited from Columbia Basin Trust’s School Works program. L to R: Sarah Meunier, student, and Lawrence Redfern, employer.

Invermere’s Village Arts Society is one of the organizations that has benefited from Columbia Basin Trust’s School Works program. L to R: Ann Plassmann, employer, and Jessica Salvidge, student.

Revelstoke’s Courthouse Inn is one of the businesses that has benefited from Columbia Basin Trust’s School Works program. L to R: Shawn and Young Seon Cook, employers, and Rayne Kramer, student.

For more information on the School Works program, and to download the application form, visit cbt.org/schoolworks.