Get working with U of T’s Work-Study program
Published: September 12, 2013
University of Toronto’s time-starved students clock a lot of hours on campus, whether it’s in a lecture hall, the library or one of the gymnasiums. And for many, taking on a part-time job that requires a commute can eat into the precious little time they have available.
Luckily, there’s a solution. The U of T’s work-study program provides meaningful on-campus work experiences for students.
In the past, the program was restricted to students receiving funding from the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). But recently, the University of Toronto has reconfigured the program and made it available to more U of T students. This year, undergraduate and graduate students may apply for work study jobs on any of the three campuses. Participants can also be studying part-time or full-time and can be either domestic or international students.
In 2012, the Ontario Government withdrew its funding for the student work-study programs. The program is now funded entirely by the U of T.
In the newly-reconfigured program, students no longer have to be eligible for OSAP. As a result of these changes, the program is open to more students than ever before. This has been great for U of T students, especially since many who wanted on-campus jobs in the past weren’t permitted to apply for them.
More than 2,600 work study jobs will be available across the U of T’s three campuses this coming school year. Students can expect to make $10.25/hr in addition to 4% vacation pay. And while that probably isn’t enough to finance a private jet or shopping trips to Monte Carlo, it makes all the difference when hardworking students have rent to pay or need a new textbook for class.
Although the types of work-study jobs vary each year according to the needs of the particular department, division or college employing the student, all participants can expect a job-related experience that will help them apply the skills they’ve acquired in school.
And just in case you thought becoming a participant was as simple as clicking “Like” on a Facebook page, think again. Participants must apply for Work-Study jobs, and should be prepared to review job postings, submit a resume, and be interviewed by potential employers.
For many of students, taking part in this program is their first experience with a hiring process, says Donna Wall, Director of Financial Aid and Awards.
“Interviewing for a job is a skill that is learned and which requires practice,” she says. “The more you do it, the better you become.”
