by Stella Shepard
Summer Work Student Exchange (SWSE) is one of three national programs for youth coordinated by YMCA.
YMCA is a not-for-profit organization that has helped Canadians improve their lives since 1851 when the first YMCA opened in Montreal.
“We are guided by our shared values of optimism, kindness, respect, integrity, and well-being,” says Florence Lux-Côté, Regional Coordinator, (SWSE) Atlantic-Quebec (East), YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth Employment Services.
Employment opportunities
“We find employment for youth across Canada makes a difference in communities and in individuals as well,” says Florence. “The program runs for six weeks over the summer. The exchange takes students who are 16 or 17 from across Canada to another province where they stay with a local host.
“The youth in the program hold a paid job, practice their second official language, and participate in summer activities led by local coordinators.
“We also have positions available in Charlottetown and across Canada for coordinators. These positions are for post-secondary students.”
Coordinator job description
“The local coordinators provide leadership in their community,” says Florence. “They promote the program to community organizations and help recruit youth participants. They select, interview, and participate in the whole support process to prepare the outbound youth for the exchange.
“They also help chaperone the youth during the two days of travelling before and after the exchange, and plan and deliver a full program of activities for the in-bound youth in their own community.
“Coordinators should be positive adult mentors for the youth and interested in fostering strong relationships and learning opportunities.”
Salary and employment
“Local coordinators start at $18.65 an hour,” says Florence. “There is a two percent pay increase every year their contract is renewed.
“The schedule for students is very flexible. During school months you work part-time and in the summer you work full-time.”
Who can apply?
• You must live in or close by the community you are assigned to.
• Be a full-time post-secondary student
• Have experience working with youth
• Pass a police check and vulnerable check
• Have First Aid certification
• Have a driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle
• Attend two paid training sessions
“It’s a great opportunity for post-secondary students looking for employment working with youth and wanting to be part of a national team,” says Florence. “It is also a great opportunity if you want more work experience and to build a strong resumé.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
on how to apply, visit https://swse.ymcagta.org/ and click Apply Today.
Provide a cover letter and a resumé. The next step is an interview with a staff member and to provide three references, professional or academic.
For more information about the Summer Work Student Exchange, (SWSE) contact Florence Lux-Côté, at [email protected] or visit https://swse.ymcagta.org/
Check out the video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOECHbjR_8k&list=PLUmm6OIjgyiuO26QryFxbOeXJWycc68Va
