A little help in the summer job department

With less than two weeks to go, this school year is quickly coming to an end. Though there may still be snow on the ground in some areas of the city, it's time to start thinking about your employment plans the summer.

For students, the summer isn't just about hitting the beach; it's about earning cash to pay for books, supplies and tuition fees due in September. Whether you're looking to gain valuable work experience in your field of study or simply covering your living expenses for the summer, seasonal employment is a necessity for most students.

Finding a temporary and good paying job this summer may be a little more difficult than in previous years. It's not a secret that the unemployment lines are longer than usual right now. Job losses have hit Ontario pretty hard in the last few months. This means that more people are applying for fewer available jobs. Basically, it's pretty competitive out there.

As a post-secondary student you do have an advantage over other “non-student” job seekers. The Ontario Government subsidizes a number of student employment programs across the province that offer companies incentives for hiring post-secondary students for summer positions. It's a win-win-win situation; the companies get a wage subsidy (usually $2 an hour) that reduces their hiring costs, the government sees a reduction in the amount of students requiring OSAP loans and the students find reliable work for the summer.

A number of these jobs are offered through a program called Job Connect. Job Connect's Summer Job Service is only available to students between the ages of 15 and 24 (up to 29 with disability) who are registered for full-time school in September. The program offers students valuable work experience, job search assistance and access to job postings across Ontario. There are hundreds of jobs available to students in London and the surrounding areas including positions in Construction, Administration, and Recreation services.

To complete an application, you can visit the Job Connect site at: http://fcsw.fanshawec.ca/jobconnect/. You must then bring your completed application to Galleria Mall at 355 Wellington Street. For a list of available positions you can visit the Summer Jobs Site at: http://fcsw.fanshawec.ca/jobconnect/jobbanks.asp?js=SJ

The Ontario Government also sponsors a program called the Ontario Experience Program (OEP), which helps students to find full-time summer jobs in local government agencies through provincial and municipal offices. These roles offer rich employment experiences and valuable networking opportunities. Many bilingual positions are also available for students looking to expand their resumes. If you're serious about getting hands-on experience and learning more about a future career in public service, this program was created for you. Thousands of students are hired in summer positions each year. Participants earn $9.50/hour and most positions run for six-to-eight weeks. Some of the exciting opportunities available include: Court Support Officer, Geological Assistant, OPP Summer Marine Student, Veterinary Science Researcher, Human Resource Assistant, Tourism Advisor and many positions in Provincial Parks.

This program is also only available to students between the ages of 15 and 24 (up to 29 with a disability) and you must be a permanent Ontario resident. A complete list of the available jobs can be found at this site: www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/ SEP.asp

For that group of students who find themselves beyond the tender age of 24, there are resources here at Fanshawe to help you in finding employment for the summer. By visiting Fanshawe College Career Services you can select from a list of part-time, full-time or seasonal jobs being offered in London and surrounding area. The site requires you to enter your Fanshawe Student ID number when you visit: https://fcsw.fanshawec.ca/w3/career_services/pass1.asp. There are no age restrictions on applying for the jobs offered on this site. Seasonal jobs available include: YMCA counsellors, swimming instructors and security guards.

Many students are eager to get out of the city this summer and find a summer job that brings them back to nature. Outdoor enthusiasts are in luck. Our country's rich landscape offers countless opportunities for a summer full of travel and adventure. The type of jobs offered run coast-to-coast; from whale watching in Nova Scotia to kayaking in British Columbia. There are hundreds of fantastic jobs out there for students looking to gain valuable work experience while creating a pretty memorable summer. Visit Canada's Adventure Job Site at: www.jobtrekker.ca for an incredible list of opportunities.

Don't worry, you don't have to be a professional scuba diver or white water rafting guide to participate; there are hundreds of support jobs available as well! The site lists jobs in categories such as: Wilderness jobs, environmental jobs, water sport jobs and adventure retail! Visit the site soon, jobs are going quickly.

If your summer dream job includes travelling as far away from school as possible then there are options for you too! Would you consider working on a cruise ship? What about a job at Disneyland? Check out the site www.jobmonkey.com to discover jobs that incorporate travel into your summer. You could be working on a fishing boat in Alaska or working as a nanny in Europe next month.

While you're looking for a summer job, keep in mind that this break can also be a great opportunity to gain volunteer experience in your field before you graduate. Many agencies and companies are more than happy to accept volunteers over the summer. If you can afford not to work, why not use this time to build your resume with valuable hands-on experience? Ask your teachers for suggestions or recommendations of local employers who would be open to accepting a student-volunteer for the summer.

For many students, this time of year is very stressful; papers and assignments are due and exams are on the horizon. Before you know it though, summer break will be here and you don't want to be left without a job. The London Summer Job Fair was held way back in February and many companies are hoping to complete their summer hiring before May 1. Be sure to set some time aside this weekend to consider your options, visit a few of these job sites and start applying for some of these great positions.