Students from the Fredericton area, hired through the Federal Student Work Experience Program, are helping with upkeep of the massive training area at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown. Photo provided by Dane Hone, 5 CDSB Range Control Officer ©2018 DND/MDN Canada.
By Steven Fouchard, Army Public Affairs
Oromocto, New Brunswick — A Fredericton high school student says his summer job at 5th Canadian Division Support Base (5 CDSB) Gagetown is an opportunity to grow personally as well as to earn money.
Jordan Hanscombe, 16, will be entering Grade 12 at Fredericton High School this fall and is spending the summer performing a variety of maintenance duties in 5 CDSB Gagetown’s Ranges and Training Area (RTA).
5 CDSB Gagetown is the largest military facility in Eastern Canada and the RTA covers 1,100 square kilometres.
The opportunity came via the federal government’s Indigenous Student Employment Opportunity (ISEO) program, part of the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP).
“I just came across it online and put out my resume,” Jordan said. “I have a lot of close relationships to people in the military – mostly family and some friends – so I’ve always had an interest in what they do on the base.”
“I took the opportunity to gain the experience and also grow as a person,” he added. “And to gain some responsibility and professionalism by being around these men and women who serve our country.”
While the work can be physically tasking – particularly under the hot summer sun – Jordan said the people around him make it easier.
“That would definitely be the most challenging part – working in the heat. But we get plenty of breaks and plenty of water and they always make sure we’re safe and hydrated. The best parts would be just the people – all the support around you. They make it easy. It’s just fun to work here and everybody supports me.”
Those sentiments are echoed by Josie Johnston, who is 20 years old and who will be starting her second year at the University of New Brunswick this fall, continuing her path to a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.
“The work can be physically challenging but my favourite aspect is the people I work with and the environment. I love coming to work every day,” she said.
This is the third summer at 5 CDSB Gagetown for Ms. Johnston, who was also initially hired through FSWEP.
“There are a lot of part-time jobs in Fredericton but I find it’s very hard to find full-time hours. So having those full time hours has been amazing and those paycheques have helped a lot with school.”
“It’s awesome,” she added. “I’m glad I got into the program. And what’s really good is that every year you come back, they increase your pay.”
Dan Hone, Range Control Officer at 5 CDSB Gagetown, said he looks for candidates with a positive attitude and who are honest and have integrity.
“They get to work with professional soldiers who are sticklers when it comes to showing up on time and getting tasks done within safe parameters,” he said. “I think they benefit from working in a team environment, which is a highly transferable skill. They also feel a sense of accomplishment as they can see the end product of their work.”
“Our students have proven to be keen to do the work,” he added. “They show up on time with good attitudes, and follow direction and guidance well.”
The Government of Canada offers a wide variety of student jobs across Canada through the FSWEP. Opportunities include field work, research, administration, IT, finance, trades, policy, communications and many more! The Indigenous Student Employment Opportunity is a program offering Indigenous full-time students work experience in the public service. For more information, please visit the related links.
