The Nova Scotia government is creating 150 summer jobs across the province, open to university and college students. The goal is to provide them with income and with the experience they need to get permanent jobs after graduation.

Although the demand for summer work far exceeds the number available jobs, Labi Kousoulis, the minister responsible for the civil service, says this is a significant improvement over last year's offering.

"It's double what we had last year and it's going to keep growing from this point," he said.

"These are geared towards students coming back to university. This will enhance their resumes."

The jobs range from clerical work to research to helping give tours and demonstrations at museums.

Creating younger civil service

Jennifer West has a full-time job with the province but she started as a summer student.

"It was a great opportunity and it was very nice to be able to work my way up and go through lots of hoops and jumps to get to where I am," she said.

Enticing younger people into the public service is also a goal for the province. So too is giving young people experience while they're still in school.

"The first job that someone gets out of university or college is the most important because that springboards their career," said Kousoulis.

The province also helps subsidize summer jobs provided by private companies or non-profit organizations. Last year, that program provided summer work for 719 students.