Co-operative Education Builds on Its Success

Jake Hall credits the province's high school Co-operative Education program with helping him realize what he wants to do with the rest of his life.

Mr. Hall, a Grade 12 student at Prince Andrew High School, enrolled in the co-op program hoping to get some exposure to an interesting career. During his placement with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, he gained relevant workforce skills and the knowledge and confidence to make an informed decision about his future.

"Co-op has been one of the best experiences of my life because it made me realize what I really want to do once I graduate high school, and has helped me develop a plan," said Mr. Hall. "Originally, I thought I wanted to be an oceanographer and work with underwater animals, but now that I have had the opportunity to work in the food-inspection business, I realize I really enjoy this work and want to make a future out of it.

"Because of co-op, I am going to have the opportunity to work part-time with the CFIA while I attend college to get certified. I really feel like my life is set now. I am so glad I enrolled."

More and more students like Jake are taking advantage of the provinces Co-operative Education program each year. In 2009, 3,536 co-op credits were earned connecting more than 3,000 high school students with employers. And the program has expanded with the demand. In 2006, co-op programming was only available is 13 schools across the province. It is now offered in 83 of the province's 87 high schools.

Education Minister Marilyn More recognized some of those co-op students and employers at Prince Andrew High School today, March 1.

"Co-op is a valuable learning experience for all students, and I am very pleased to see that the program continues to grow each academic year," Ms. More said at the event. "Co-op is a great way for students to make connections with employers and explore opportunities that could turn in to a future career here at home."

With such successes, the Department of Education expects enrolment to continue to increase. To support this growth, more employers are needed.

"Hiring a co-op student is one of the best ways you can grow your business, and give back to your community," said Carol MacCulloch, president of Construction Association of Nova Scotia. "In today's turbulent labour market, we as employers need to do everything we can to attract young people into careers in our sectors, and co-op is a great way to make those connections."

As part of co-op expansion efforts, the province has developed and strengthened partnerships with the Nova Scotia Community College and industry. One example is the Building Futures for Youth (BFY) program. It allows Grade 10 and Grade 11 co-op students to explore careers in the construction industry. The program can provide up to three co-operative education credits, banked apprenticeship hours, and eligibility for one of three CANS BFY/Nova Scotia Community College(NSCC) scholarships.

To learn more about co-operative education, visit the new co-op website at www.gov.ns.ca/coop .