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Salient. Official Newspaper of the Victoria University Students' Association. Vol 41 No. 26. October 2 1978

Vacation Work and Students

Vacation Work and Students

Traditionally, students have relied on summer vacation earnings to supplement their inadequate bursary allowance. However, with the present economic climate students can no longer take for granted well-paid jobs downtown or even jobs of any sort. What happens if you cannot find a job? A significant number of students will probably find themselves in this category, so don't fall into the trap of thinking that it is Your fault — half the students at Victoria can't all be bludgers.

The first thing you must do is to register with the Department of Labour (District Office, 4th floor, Civic Chambers, Lower Cuba Street), for employment. You fill in a Registration Gird, then you will be interviewed and told the next reporting date.

If and when you are placed on a benefit you are required to report fortnightly to the Department of Labour, to see if employment is available. Failure in reporting back could cancel the benefit. If you anticipate any difficulty in taking up available work or in reporting regularly to the Labour Department it would be advisable to discuss your problem with the officer at the counter. If you require any further information, do not hesitate to ask any employment officer from the Department. So long as you are enrolled, the Labour Department will try to find you a job.

Sitting with your fingers crossed after registration, and leaving everything up to the Department of Labour may reduce your chances of employment. You should continue to look for a job yourself. The Department itself says that a large number of enrolees are successful by their own efforts. Contact last year's employer — s/he may have a job for you. Quite a few students were employed by the Wellington City Council last summer, and could be again this year. Some of the other places to try are; Stale Services Commission, Federation of Employers, Post Office and private concerns. The 'Situations Vacant' column in the newspapers occasionally has a few vacancies.

There may be a job for you oustide your University city. The Department of Labour will have some information about such jobs. The Department can advance the fare required if any student is referred to another district for a job. The Unviersity Careers Advisory Service (6 Kelburn Parade) has already published an "Early Warning" that employment this year is going to be tough. Keep in regular touch with them. They will have a list of jobs over on their noticeboard. The Students' Association will deal with the problems of student employment during their vacation. So it is advisable to inform the Association about any problems arising from your employment.

During the last summer holidays an employment scheme for students was arranged by the Ministry of Recreation and Sport under the Student Community Service Programme (SCSP). The same type of programme is also expected this year but is not finalized as yet. The Students' Association is in constant touch with the Labour Department and you will be notified as early as possible about any such programme or scheme. If you have any queries regarding employment problems or employment do not hesitate to contact Lindy Cassidy at the Students' Association Office.