A provincial program that helps organizations hire students for summer work could be in jeopardy, potentially having an effect during the busy summer months in Drumheller.
    The Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP) is designed to create student jobs during the spring and summer. Eligible employers include non-profits, public sector employers, government departments and Alberta Future Leader programs in First Nation and Metis communities. STEP participants must, among other qualifications, have been in school full-time leading up to their employment.
    According to the Alberta Human Services website there has not been a decision made to fund the program, and “We will have more information once budget decisions are finalized after Budget 2013 is tabled on March 7th.”    
    Some of the valley’s tourism institutions take advantage of the program and are worried they may end up a little short staffed.
    Kelly Eddy, of the Atlas Coal Mine, is in the midst of arranging for summer employees. She says the museum typically applies for funding and has had one position funded by the program in each of the last three years.
    “It is a huge help to us and really a huge help to all the students out there that are looking for jobs in their field,” said Eddy. 
    One of the designed outcomes of the program is to allow students who study away from home, to return to their community during the summer and have employment. Eddy says this is often the case and they often hire local youth.
    “We have a returning student who is from Drumheller and she is in engineering.  She has a passion for talking about Drumheller and the place she grew up,” said Eddy.
    The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce often uses the STEP program, along with a federal employment program to help staff its tourism services. Manager of the Chamber Heather Bitz says they typically have confirmation of funding for the position by now.
    “I’m sure we’re not the only ones that apply for the funding,” said Bitz. “It could drastically impact seasonal operations that rely on this funding. We still have the same people coming and we still need the staff to accommodate them.”
    The Chamber is also contracted to hire admission, gallery staff, educators and technicians at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. These positions are not reliant on the STEP Program.
    Bill Wulff, acting director of Corporate Services for the Town of Drumheller says the only town department that uses the STEP program is the Drumheller Aquaplex for some of its summer staff. He says if the program is not funded, the Town would still hire the needed staff for its programs.