The Saskatchewan government has launched a 4 million dollar Economic Recovery Work Experience Initiative.

The program is a one-time pandemic recovery initiative for employers and job seekers.

The program provides funding for paid work experiences for job seekers to gain practical skills in priority sectors like hospitality, agriculture, retail services, health and childcare.

Career Training minister Jeremy Harrison says the Economic Recovery Work Experience Initiative will help resolve the gap of skilled labour shortages in key priority areas.

The project will connect up to 465 job seekers with employers looking to resolve their workforce needs, which will result in sustainable employment and access to new talent for employers.

To be eligible, participants must be job seekers working with SaskJobs Career Services or an approved service provider, and be at least 18 years old, legally entitled to work in Saskatchewan and facing job skills related barriers to obtaining employment, and working less than 20 hours per week.

Employers will be eligible for up to 6 thousand dollars for each work experience participant, with 100 percent of the minimum monthly wage covered in the first month, 80 percent in the second month and 60 percent in the third and fourth months.

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