WELLINGTON, P.E.I. — To respond and provide services during the current coronavirus pandemic, RDÉE P.E.I. has adjusted the internship program so emphasis can be put on post-secondary students who can work in essential services as identified by the government.
"We are therefore looking for college and university students from P.E.I., who are in their last or second-last year of studies, who want to work for 10 to 12 weeks this summer in fields such as health and wellness, pharmacology, nutrition, cleaning, manufacturing, food distribution, public services, etc.," said Stéphane Blanchard, youth development officer with RDÉE P.E.I. who oversees the PERCÉ summer internship program.
"We wanted to use a program that is already in place to do our part to help alleviate this very difficult situation we are all facing."
The deadline for applications has been extended to April 5 to give those who have not applied a chance in response to this criteria adjustment.
Blanchard said it is unclear when the current restrictions will be removed, but that ways will be found to ensure that all dimensions of the program can be offered. For example, orientation and training sessions along with personal and career exploration workshops will be held online through videoconferencing. Also, some of the internships could be done by teleworking from home while other placements will take place in secure environments that have implemented strict preventive measures to protect employees and clients.
It is anticipated that the RDÉE will be able to accommodate some 30 interns during the program and participants will receive the regular salary offered to a beginner in their field.
All qualifying individuals interested in participating in the program can visit percepe.ca for more details and to fill out an online application form.
