The provincial government will invest $400,000 in the Manitoba Youth Job Centre, which is expected to help 11,000 students find jobs this summer, the highest amount since the program's inception in 1976, according to Ian Wishart, the minister of education and training.

The program helps youth ages 12 to 29 find jobs and gain employment experience through 38 locations throughout rural and northern Manitoba.

The funding this year will allow the program to expand and provide more resources, Wishart said.

"There is certainly a growing need every year; there's more students in Manitoba every year with growing enrollments," he said.

Wishart said he believes the program benefits the students as much as the businesses who receive the services.

"It's important for the students to get that first job on their resume that they can build on. This provides some great opportunities to do that and learn to be a part of the workplace," the minister said.

The centres have a number of programs, including the Odd Job Squad, which is directed at youth ages 12 to 16. Through the program they are able to gain first job and volunteer experience through casual activities such as car washes and Canada Day window painting.