Cumberland College wants to assist those in the community who are hiring and need jobs. (File Photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Rachel May

Helping the local economy

Cumberland College introduces new employee subsidy opportunity for local businesses

Feb 24, 2022 | 5:00 PM

The Government of Saskatchewan has teamed up with Cumberland College to provide an employee subsidy program for local businesses.

With lost revenue and labour shortages, local businesses are fighting an uphill battle. Cumberland College is hoping to help out those in the community who are hiring and those who need jobs.

Teri Thompson, Chair of Adult Basic Education & Essential Skills, told northeastNOW they are honoured to be part of this groundbreaking program in the province.

“We’re a proponent of the program whose job it is, is to match 25 unemployed or underemployed people from our region, with local employers who are looking to fill full time, permanent positions.”

The program provides a four-month work placement program in which employees will get to learn valuable skills towards their position and gain permanent full-time employment.

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Employers are offered a wage subsidy for hiring these individuals. The goal of the program is to reduce unemployment numbers and stimulate the local economy.

Over the course of the program, wage subsidies will be set at the Saskatchewan minimum wage amount currently set at $11.81 per hour not including Mandatory Employment Related Costs or benefits.

Each of the first three months, subsidies will decrease by 20 per cent. The first month the employee’s wages will be given back up to 100 per cent at a rate of $11.81 per hour for 160 hours.

In the second month, employers will receive a subsidy of 80 per cent at a rate of $9.45 per hour for 160 hours. In the third and fourth months of the program, the rate drops to 60 per cent at $7.09 per hour for 320 hours.

The total wage subsidy given per participant is $5,670.40. Thompson said this program is a response to feedback the government has been getting from the business community.

“I know that something we’ve heard, particularly with small business, is that if I only have one employee, I can’t afford the time it takes to train somebody who doesn’t know anything.”

Another thing local businesses are struggling with is only having a few employees which means sick days can be detrimental.

“If you have a small business, and you only have one or two employees, having to have everybody on the floor for full-time hours, is what you’re trying to avoid.”

Thompson explains the program is designed to give long term employment even after the subsidy portion ends.

“The ministry’s hope and expectation is that we’re not creating part time temporary jobs. We’re looking to help people fill spots that already exists.”

For those hoping to gain employment or hire employees, the work placement needs to be completed before the end of December so the college urges those interested to get in contact sooner rather than later.

To apply as an employee or employer, contact Alannah Cotterill at acotterill@cumberlandcollege.sk.ca or by phone at (306) 873-3306.

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM