Applications for the Columbia Basin Summer Works Program are now available. The program, offered by the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT), is starting its second year, with its pilot launch having occurred last spring.

The Summer Works program encourages businesses to provide summer employment for high school and post-secondary students by providing up to eight dollars per hour in wage subsidies for entry-level and career-related positions.

“It benefits businesses by providing this wage to hire students,” said Lisa Erven, CBT manager, planning and development. “In this way, businesses that can’t afford to hire now can.”

The program allows one student per business, with 112 students participating in the program in 2010 (therefore meaning 112 businesses applied and participated as well).

Fully subscribed in 2010, 90 per cent of businesses who participated in the program said they plan on applying again this year.

“It provides local employment opportunities, and the financial benefit for students to live at home and work in the summer,” said Erven. “We hope post-secondary students return to their home area to work in this program for that reason.”

Last year, $390,000 was funded for the program for businesses to hire students.

This year, the funding has increased to $500,000 so more students can be hired.

Due to the popularity of the program, businesses looking to take advantage of the Summer Works program in 2011 are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Complete applications will be processed based on minimum requirements on a first received, first served basis, according to the official Summer Works press release.

For more information, visit www.cbt.org/summerworks or call 1-877-489-2687 ext. 3644