Students at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) will be encouraged to explore co-op opportunities to support their career ambitions.

The university will receive $75,000 to support outreach to more employers and increase awareness of the benefits of co-op placements for both employers and students.

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. This experience better prepares students 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 the opportunity to assess new talent for recruitment after graduation.

The funding announced today builds on a $1.3-million investment in co-op education in 2015-16 for a total investment of $2.6 million.

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 sectors, including programs that lead to a range of occupations needed in the technology sector.

The #BCTECH Strategy is a key component of the BC Jobs Plan to support the growth of British Columbia's vibrant technology sector and strengthens B.C.'s diverse innovation economy. The multi-year strategy includes a $100-million #BCTECH Fund and initiatives to increase talent development through more tech-related grads, co-ops and coding, as well as data innovation and market access for tech companies to drive innovation and productivity throughout the province.

Quotes:

Todd Stone, MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson –

“Thompson Rivers University has a well-established reputation for excellence in providing employers with students who are job-ready and eager to continue their learning. This ongoing support for employers and local industry boosts our region’s economy.”

Terry Lake, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson –

“I speak from experience when I say that co-op education is a win-win for students and employers. Co-op education enables students to learn and develop their skills in an environment that prepares them for work in their chosen field.”

Chris Adam, TRU dean of students –

“TRU is pleased for this support to improve outreach for our co-op program. Encouraging both employers and students to participate in co-op placements benefits our students’ career success and will help businesses access talented and skilled employees.”

Quick Facts:

• There will be nearly one million job openings in B.C. through to 2025.
• 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:

• The Association for Co-operative Education BC/Yukon: http://www.co-op.bc.ca/
• 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/getmedia/4c54646a-93fa-4566-b148-f43a3f27b240/Booklet_BCsBlueprint_web_140428.pdf.aspx