Co-op students at the University of Fraser Valley 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 will provide 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 British Columbia 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 placements also provide employers with an 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 March 14-18, 2016.

Quotes:

Darryl Plecas, MLA for Abbotsford South –

“We are proud of the students coming from the University of the Fraser Valley who end up working in our community. Co-op Education is a great way to empower students while building the local economy with new employees to the business community.”

Simon Gibson, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission –

“Co-op Education is such a fantastic way to get hands-on experience in your field of study. When we can train young people in the areas that they are learning then they will be successful in their future careers.”

Michael de Jong, MLA for Abbotsford West –

“Having a co-op student work in the community allows businesses to assess new talent for future recruitment. Both students and businesses win when we keep our talent local and work together to build the economy.”

Travis Lukey, University of Fraser Valley student, BBA, accounting –

“The UFV Co-Op placement at Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has been invaluable in helping me gain experience employers recognize. Obtaining hands-on experience in the area I'm studying is not only a great learning experience but also makes my resume more attractive and helps me gain the skills I need to start my career.”

University of the Fraser Valley president Mark Evered –

"This funding will definitely be put to good use. We know our students value on-the-job learning opportunities, and that employers are keen to hire graduates with such experience. This is a great way to help match them up.”

Claudia Sperling, president of the British Columbia Association for Co-operative Education –

“We are proud to work with students, employers and post-secondary institutions in B.C. to build a strong foundation of work experience. Co-op placements provide students with the valuable, hands-on learning that will benefit their chosen careers.”

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/

BC’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