Co-op students at Capilano University will benefit from $75,000 in one-time funding, part of a $1.3-million announcement to 16 public post-secondary institutions following the launch of Co-op Week celebrations today.

The funding provides outreach to leverage more employers to the program and increase awareness of the benefits of co-op placements to potential employers and students. An additional $100,000 will be provided to ACE, the Association for Co-operative Education, a non-profit organization that works with post-secondary institutions in B.C. that offer co-operative education programs.

Programming in co-op education combines academic studies with paid work experience in career-related fields. Co-op students have opportunities to apply their learning, gain employment-related skills, and make connections with employers, better preparing them for entry into the workforce. 

Employers benefit from the energy, fresh ideas, knowledge and skills of co-op students. Co-op also provides employers with the opportunity to assess new talent for future recruitment after graduation.

Government support for co-operative education aligns with commitments in the BC Jobs Plan, #BCTech Strategy and B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint. Co-op programs are offered across many program areas, including programs leading to the range of occupations needed in the technology sector.

B.C. Co-op Week runs from March 14-18, 2016.

Quotes:

Jane Thornthwaite, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour ─

“Co-op programming is a great way to connect students with local businesses so they can access hands-on training in their chosen field. This provides great opportunities to build our regional economy, and encourages North Shore businesses to help keep our home-grown talent working here in the community.”

Naomi Yamamoto, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale ─

“We have a great tradition here in North Vancouver of producing top students from Capilano University. Co-op education provides students with an advantage in their careers by providing them the skills and tools they need to succeed.”

Ralph Sultan, MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano ─

“Funding to support co-op education enables students to ease into the workforce by giving them hands-on experience. In turn, businesses who hire co-op students have the opportunity to empower future employees. It builds our local economy and supports our local businesses at the same time.”

Kris Bulcroft, president, Capilano University ─

“Experiential learning has long been a cornerstone of Capilano University. I am delighted the university will receive funding that will help us expand co-op learning opportunities. Providing students with hands-on experience and opportunities to connect with experts and employers is extremely important to us. With this support, we look forward to graduating even more students who possess the practical skills they need to excel in their chosen fields.”

Kevin Pearce, president and co-owner, Landsea Tours & Adventures ─

“I completed a work placement with Landsea Tours & Adventures in 2005, and became part owner in 2009. Co-op placements get students out there in the real world. You learn the groundwork of the industry in the classroom. You go out and get to appreciate and understand the reality of it, and then return to school to think through what you’re learning. It also opens doors.”

Quick Facts:

• Between now and 2024, British Columbia expects to have almost one million job openings.
• Approximately 42% of job openings will require college education or apprenticeship training.
• 36% will require university and/or significant work experience.
• 18% will require high school and/or occupation-specific training.

Learn more:

BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/

#BCTech Strategy: https://bctechstrategy.gov.bc.ca/

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: https://www.workbc.ca/Training-Education/B-C-s-Skills-for-Jobs-Blueprint/Learn-about-Blueprint.aspx

Association for Co-operative Education (ACE): http://www.co-op.bc.ca