News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--CO-OP EDUCATION PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES
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A federal-provincial training support program has increased work
experience opportunities for Nova Scotia Community College
co-operative education students in technology, manufacturing,
service industries and other fields.
The $1 million Community College Co-operative Education Program,
part of the Canada-Nova Scotia Co-operation Agreement on Economic
Diversification signed in 1995, provides financial assistance to
businesses employing co-op students.
Last year, 42 students from different campuses were placed and
100 co-op students a year will be placed during the next three
years.
Co-op students have been employed with a number of small to
medium-sized businesses and firms, including a Shelburne County
electronics firm, a Chester manufacturing company, a Halifax
architectural firm and a Lunenburg County electrical contractor.
As a result of their experience, a number of students have
received job offers on completion of their college program.
Education and Culture Minister John MacEachern says the co-op
education program strengthens the partnership among the business
community, government and the Nova Scotia Community College. "The
availability of funding support will help more campuses and more
small to medium-sized businesses to become active participants in
providing meaningful training for our students."
Under the co-operative education program, firms are eligible for
assistance to cover 50 per cent of the hourly rate for qualifying
students. Work terms are a maximum of 16 weeks.
The Nova Scotia Community College offers a number of co-op
education programs at campuses in Bridgewater, Halifax, Pictou,
Sydney, Port Hawkesbury, Yarmouth, Kentville and Dartmouth.
Programs include: electro-mechanical technician, electronic
engineering technician, drafting, earth resources
technology/water resources, library technician, numerical control
operator, hospitality services and hotel/restaurant management.
The co-op education program is one of four initiatives under the
Canada-Nova Scotia Co-operation Agreement on Economic
Diversification managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities
Agency and the Nova Scotia Economic Renewal Agency.
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Contact: Gary Forsythe 902-543-2295
Len Canfield 902-424-2524
trp Mar. 06, 1996 - 3:40 p.m.
