Financial constraints have caused Government to cut back jobs available to students through its employment programme this summer.

Labour Minister David Burch told the Senate that the 373 posts filled had not only "exhausted but exceeded" the $1.25 million set aside for the scheme.

"It should come as no surprise to anyone that due to the economic downturn, there are fewer jobs in both Government and the private sector, and limited funding available this year," he said yesterday.

"As a result, the Department of Labour and Training has had to employ fewer college students, and even fewer high school students. It is fair to say that not every student who registered for the programme will get a job with the Summer Employment Programme this year."

Senator Burch said that more than 632 college and high school students had applied for jobs by last December 31.

"The deadline was extended to try to accommodate students who for whatever reasons were not able to register online," he said.

"At this juncture I wish to acknowledge that "At this juncture I wish to acknowledge that there have been challenges with the electronic registration process and administration of the programme. Let me also apologise to those students and parents who have experienced difficulty with registration, processing, getting an appointment or indeed getting a job."

The Minister said he authorised a budget increase to make the programme feasible this year.

"Currently 293 college students have been placed at a cost of $2,051,000 for a period of 14 weeks," he said.

"An additional 80 high school students will also be employed via the programme at a cost of $225,000.

"You will readily see that the programme budget of $1,250,000 has not only been exhausted, but exceeded."

He added that the make-up of the scheme might be forced to change moving forward.

"While authorising this increase which must be found from Ministry-wide resources I have similarly ordered a complete review of the programme going forward.

"Clearly there will be some disappointments as the funds do not exist to employ every student who wishes to work the summer, but I encourage students to gain valuable voluntary work experience that will hold them in good stead when they join the workforce."

It was "not an ideal situation", Sen. Burch admitted however "these are challenging times that must be faced head-on".

He told the Senate: " I have directed the Department of Labour and Training to seek suitable alternatives to what has become an unsustainable programme.

"Madam president, we must explore the entire concept of this programme so that the focus may be redirected on work experience and exposure to good work ethic for young people through this programme rather than seeking gainful employment."