Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP)

Contributor/Collaborateur: Fraulein Retanal & Erin Maloney
Visuals/Visuels: Vanessa Cunha

(French translation in progress. Traduction en cours.)

The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) is an initiative by the Government of Canada designed to provide full-time students with valuable, hands-on work experience related to their field of study and to allow for personal and professional development. It’s one of the main ways that students can get hired into the federal public service.

Here are some key points about the FSWEP program:

Eligibility & Selection

To be eligible for FSWEP, individuals must be full-time students returning to full-time studies in the next academic term. They also have to meet the minimum age requirement in the province/territory of work.

Applications are drawn at random from the inventory to match job requirements of positions to be filled. However, some hiring managers might also seek specific criteria like field of study, skills, or competencies.

Job Opportunities

FSWEP covers a wide range of jobs from administrative support to more specialized roles like health services, research, IT, and more. This provides students with an opportunity to explore the diverse career paths available within the federal public service.

Duration

The work terms can be part-time or full-time, and the length can vary. Some positions may last for a few months during the summer, while others can span multiple terms or even the entire academic year.

Successful stints with FSWEP can sometimes lead to bridging opportunities, where students might transition to permanent, full-time roles within the federal public service after they graduate.

Pay

Students are paid a competitive salary that corresponds to the hourly rates of pay in the federal public service.

Application Process

Students need to create a profile on the job application system provided by the Government of Canada. Once the profile is complete, students can apply to the FSWEP and will be added to the inventory of candidates. It’s essential to keep the profile updated, especially contact information and academic status.

Remember that while FSWEP provides numerous opportunities, competition can be fierce because of the large number of students applying. So, it’s essential to ensure your application stands out, highlighting all relevant experiences and skills.

Inclusivity

The program is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce that’s representative of Canada’s population. As such, it encourages applications from individuals belonging to designated groups like women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.

If you’re interested in FSWEP or any other government job opportunities, it’s always a good idea to regularly check the official Government of Canada job website for updates and application windows.