The Reserves, also known as the militia, is an often forgotten place full of opportunities. For starters, it provides excellent part-time job positions for students. It sponsors education, teaches trades and pays more than your average job. A student involved in the reserves is required to work a minimum of one day a week and one weekend a month which insures enough time left in your schedule to fit in school work. If you attend university while in the Reserves you are eligible for $2000 education reimbursement at the end of every year of post-secondary education.

The Reserves also provide a fallback option for your employment plans. While you’re with the reserve you are taught a trade ranging across the spectrum from soldier to clerk. Skills learnt in these trades can be taken to the civilian world for employment or upgraded to a full-time job in the Regular force.

There is no obligation to travel overseas or fight while you are serving with the Reserves although it can be sought out. The Canadian Reserves above all place an emphasis on education and interest. You are continuously exposed to new and interesting experiences. Your basic training will last twenty days and in this you are taught various skills ranging from rifle care to survival, to pyrotechnic recognition. After this first course you begin to specialize. An example of a future interest the reserve can prepare you for is the Medical Technician Trade. This trade can help potential Medical Students experience many aspects of being a doctor including first aid and proscribing medicine. At the same time you will have a chance to experience what the job really is like by working along with doctors and nurses and decide whether or not the job is for you. The Reserves offer a safe, student friendly environment that prepares you for future careers and helps you complete your education. At the same time it is mentally and physically stimulating and requires a quick mind willing to learn. The Reserves give preference to physically fit students with great academic achievements, community involvement and cadet service. To learn more visit http://www.forces.ca

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