Today was the last day for the Manitoba Youth Job Centre this year. It opens again next summer in mid-May, and several students found work.

Kristen Letkeman"Summer went really well," says Kristen Letkeman, Manitoba Job Centre Youth Engagement Leader. "We had about 75 registrations between kids looking for part-time and full-time work, and kids looking to participate in Odd Job Squad events. We had six events this summer through Odd Job Squad. We had a strawberry pick, popcorn sale, ice cream sale, two barbecues and then a muffin drive."

She notes she keeps up with students and employers a few weeks following her referrals. Letkeman adds half her students were placed in the positions they applied for, and while most were summer jobs there are students who were placed in part-time work that will continue through the school year.

Letkeman says it was her first summer at the Centre. "The first few weeks were definitely a learning curve. There were lots to plan and do, and lots of public speaking. But I really enjoyed it. I think it was a good learning experience for me."