The Summer Temporary Employment Program or "STEP" is underway throughout the province.

The program provides a standardized wage subsidy of $7 an hour to a maximum of 37.5 hours a week for approved applicants.

Minister of Labour Christina Gray says response from employers this year was overwhelming.

"We received more than 2,600 applications from employers across Alberta and as promised we conditionally approved just over 3,000 student positions."

She says for the first time ever they have extended the program to include small businesses during these more challenging economic times.

She says the program helps students to find summer employment and helps employers pay for it.

"STEP benefits high school and post secondary students looking for work experience that will help in their chosen career field in the future, for a student having that experience is crucial for getting that next job. STEP also does more than help students, through a wage subsidy it supports employers."

She says they've made some positive adjustments to the program this year.

"We also extended that support this year for the first time ever to small businesses. During these more challenging economic times it's even more important that our government is there to help them."