Students at Selkirk College will be encouraged to explore co-op opportunities to support their career ambitions.

The college 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:

Andrew Wilkinson, Advanced Education Minister –

“Co-op education provides Selkirk College students the opportunity to apply the skills they learn in the classroom in a workplace setting. This gives students confidence and a head-start in their career when they graduate.

Angus Graeme, Selkirk College president –

“Co-op education is a vital and valued component of many programs at Selkirk College. Providing relevant experience in the field for our learners and opportunities for employers to tap into the potential of those entering their chosen careers is a connection we have been making for more than 25 years. This added support from the provincial government will enable Selkirk College to further develop an important program that is utilized by more than 300 students each year.”

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