Youth in Winkler and Morden started their first job or gained their first volunteer experience this summer through the Manitoba Youth Job Centre (MYJC).

The program, located at the chamber of commerce offices in Winkler and Morden, offered help with resumes, cover letters, interview preparation, and job searches for students and young adults ages 12 to 29.

"This summer was actually fairly busy, it was steady all throughout the summer," said Morden's youth engagement leader Natasha Penner, with a number of registrants with the Odd Job Squad. Many more were in the 16-year-old range looking for their first job.

The Odd Job Squad is a program for kids to participate in their first work or volunteer experience.

Esther Schwarzkopf, Winkler youth engagement leader, said working for the MYJC has been very rewarding.

"I love being here for people when they need help. Lots of students don't know where to get started, they've never written a resume," she said. "There are younger students that just need something to do during the summer. When they find success in that and you can tell their excitement, it's very rewarding."

Manitoba Youth Job Centres closed Friday and will reopen May 2018.

Natasha Penner Morden's youth engagement leader