Why Apply to the Summer Experience Program? Who can apply? FAQs

The Sumer Experience Program (SEP) recruitment process has ended for the summer of 2009.

Information about summer 2010 will be posted next spring.

Several thousands are hired annually in a variety of summer positions across the OPS, its related agencies and community groups. These full-time positions last 7 weeks on average and occur between mid May and Labour Day. This year, SEP participants will earn $9.50 an hour. Here are just a few of the interesting jobs we offer:

• Administration of Justice and Law Enforcement Assistant
• Court Support Officer Summer Assistant
• Environmental Research Assistant
• Financial Officer Assistant
• Geological Assistant
• Geographic Information System (GIS) Assistant
• Help Desk Assistant
• Human Resources Assistant
• Lab Assistant
• OPP Summer Marine Student
• Assistant Public Relations Clerk
• Assistant Tourism Advisor
• Veterinary Science Researcher Assistant
• And various positions in an outdoor or parks environment

If you’re serious about getting hands-on work experience and learning more about a future career in the public service, then this is where you want to be. We provide on-the-job training to develop skills in your field of interest.

Why Apply?

You can:

Gain valuable work experience.

It’s amazing what you’ll learn. Whether you’re interested in learning business skills, working in a lab or working outdoors, we have something for you. Start building your resume now for your future dream job.

Improve your French language skills.

Some of our jobs are bilingual, so here’s a great way to practice and use the French you learned in school.

Networking Opportunities.

Working for the Ontario Public Service brings lots of opportunities to meet tons of new people. You’ll also make a few new friends along the way.

Career Growth in the OPS.

The Summer Experience Program is a great way to learn about the many different types of work we do. And who knows, you might end up liking it so much that you’ll want to start a career with us. Many of our senior managers started their OPS careers as SEP participants.

Have fun.

The Summer Experience Program isn’t just about work. It’s about making new friends, learning lots and having fun at the same time.

Who can apply?

You are eligible to apply for SEP positions if you are:

• 15 to 24 years old (up to 29 if you are a person with a disability)
• A permanent resident of Ontario
• eligible to work in Canada

Who do I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions about the Summer Experience Program, contact us at SEP@ontario.ca.

If you have any questions concerning a specific position, please contact the person listed in the job ad.

We thank all candidates who have submitted an application; however only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Ontario Public Service is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

FAQs

1. How do I apply?

Application procedures for summer 2010 will be posted in the spring.

2. What are the eligibility criteria for the Summer Experience Program?

Youth 15 to 24 years old who are eligible to work in Canada and are a permanent resident of Ontario (up to 29 for a person with a disability as defined under the Ontario Human Rights Code) are eligible for the Summer Experience Program.

3. Do I need a Social Insurance Number to be hired in a SEP position?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Insurance Number, apply for one at your local Canada Employment Centre.

4. I am currently not enrolled in school. Am I still eligible for the Summer Experience Program?

Yes. Even if you're not enrolled in school, you can still participate if you meet the eligibility criteria.

5. Are bilingual positions available?

Yes. Bilingual positions have job titles and position descriptions displayed in both English and French in the job search. If you have both French and English language skills (oral and/or written communication skills), you may be interested in applying for a bilingual position.

6. I haven't received any acknowledgment that my resume was received. How do I know that the organization(s) I've applied to has received my resume?

Most ministries do not provide acknowledgment of applications. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

7. Do I have to make my own housing arrangements?

Yes. Participants are responsible for arranging for their own housing arrangements. If you're in the Ontario Rangers program, you'll have accommodation on site at Ministry of Natural Resources camps for a weekly fee.

8. How much will I be paid in the Summer Experience Program?

SEP participants will earn $9.50 an hour in the summer 2009.

9. What sort of training will I receive?

Training will depend on the position into which you're hired.

10. When do the jobs start?

Each position has a different start date from mid May through July. For example, some positions are filled in time for the May long weekend. Other organizations may have a negotiable target date.

11. Is there a chance that the position will last longer than the advertised six to eight weeks?

Ministries and organizations receive funding for six to eight weeks, but in some cases Ministries will fund the extension of positions. The hiring organization for the position to which you're applying will have that specific information.

12. Where can I get more information about summer jobs in Ontario?

The Ministry of Education has information on youth employment opportunities in Ontario. Their web site is: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/etlanding.html or call them at Employment Ontario 1-800-387-5656.