News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--CO-OP EDUCATION PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH JOBS ----------------------------------------------------------------- Eighty-seven per cent of students who participate in co-operative education programs find employment within six months of graduation according to statistics compiled by the Atlantic Chapter of the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education. "Those numbers are extremely encouraging," said Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison, who commented as universities and colleges celebrate National Co-operative Education Week from March 24-28. "Helping students find jobs is one of our biggest priorities and the co-op model has proven to be a model which works. We will continue to build upon that model." Mr. Harrison was also pleased that Nova Scotia has taken the lead role among the Atlantic provinces in providing co-operative education opportunities for its students. Last year, more than 3200 students were enrolled in 31 co-op programs at seven universities and eight community college campuses in the province. "Over 60 per cent of the students in co-op programs in Atlantic Canada are enrolled in Nova Scotian institutions," said Mr. Harrison. Co-operative education is designed to give students an opportunity to extend learning beyond the classroom. Students participate in alternating paid work terms in which they gain on-site work experience in their chosen field. This allows participants to practice and develop their skills, explore career options and make contacts with potential employers. Employers also benefit from co-op education programs because they gain access to well-qualified employees. Recruitment costs are low and they can assess the capabilities of potential employees without a long-term commitment. As a further incentive, the province has programs in place which provide eligible private sector businesses with wage subsidies to employ co-op students. Programs include the Nova Scotia Links Program administered by the Department of Education and Culture; the Economic Renewal Agency's Co-operative Employment Program; and the Nova Scotia Community College Co-operative Employment Program which is funded through the Canada-Nova Scotia Agreement for Economic Diversification. Currently, over half of Nova Scotia's universities offer some co-op education programs to their students. A wide range of programs including arts, business, engineering, public relations, tourism/hospitality and sciences are offered. Last year the private sector accounted for 45 per cent of co-op work terms. Government departments accounted for 39 per cent and the not-for-profit sector accounted for the remaining 16 per cent of the co-op placements. Almost 63 per cent of all co-op work terms took place in Nova Scotia. -30- Contact: Doug Hadley 902-424-3999 trp Mar. 26, 1997 - 9 a.m.