PEP will provide $12 million

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The 1986-87 Priority Employment Program (PEP) will provide $12 million in job creation funds.

"During the winter months, the seasonal increase in unemployment requires priority considerations. Therefore, the Government of Alberta will again meet this demand through the operation of PEP. This year, I fully expect some 4,000 unemployed Albertans to find jobs," Alberta Manpower Minister Rick Orman said in announcing the program.

The program, which is in its 15th year of operation, begins November 3, 1986 and runs until April 30, 1987. Eligible employers receive wage subsidies to create full-time positions for unemployed Albertans.

"Since 1981, PEP has provided some 27,000 Albertans with jobs during the winter months. This winter, our goal is to be flexible so that we may respond appropriately to the needs of unemployed Albertans," said Orman.

"Our experience this summer with the enhancement of Manpower's job creation efforts showed the demand for short term employment was significant. We demonstrated our flexibility by generating additional funds in response to a high demand for summer employment, I intend to take the same approach this winter."

PEP has two elements: Community Employment and provincial government departments. Employers can participate in the Community Employment element if they are a publicly funded agency such as a health unit or post-secondary institution; an Indian band or Metis settlement; an incorporated non-profit organization such as a handicapped society or cultural group; or a municipality.

The provincial government contributes $3.80 per hour for each project employee, plus 10 per cent to help defray employer costs. Priority is normally given to those employes who are prepared to "top up" the hourly rate. In 1985, for example, the average wage received by employees under PEP was $5.31 per hour. Positions must last at least eight weeks and provide full-time employment. Employers may not hire until their application is approved and PEP positions must not eliminate, amend or affect the hours or security of existing employees.

Applications for projects with a November 3, 1986 start date must be received no later than September 30, 1986. Applications received after this date will be assessed based on availability of funding and compliance with program guidelines.

Provincial government departments are eligible to create positions under the second element of PEP. The duration of projects is a minimum of four months to a maximum of six months and wages are subsidized at $5.50 per hour.

Positions under PEP have included dietary aides, office managers, biological technicians, computer programmers, teacher resource aides, sawmill operators, handicap bus drivers, child care workers, geological assistants, theatre carpenters, and native student teachers.

"Our programs do more than create jobs," said Orman. "Many assist those who are new to the world of work gain valuable experience." As an example, he cited "15,000 Albertans who benefited from our summer job creation efforts. These young people had a positive learning experience while gaining new skills that will enhance their ability to obtain employment. In addition, many of the jobs created under Manpower job creation initiatives led to full-time positions after the wage subsidies have ended. Under the Alberta Wage Subsidy Program, for example, a recent study showed that six months after the subsidies had ended, almost 40 per cent of the employees surveyed had been retained in that position. Another 10 per cent went to another job, while 5 per cent returned to school.

"In my view, this under-scores the positive results that can be attained when government, employers and employees are all working together towards a common goal of achieving maximum employment for Albertans," Orman said.

For more information and application forms, contact the Employment Initiatives Branch at 427-4740 in Edmonton . Outside Edmonton, call "0" and ask the Operatr

for Zenith 22078.