Students across the province are gaining valuable work experience through additional jobs supported by the provincial government. Two-hundred new positions were added to the Co-operative Education Incentive Program this year for a total of more than 700 work placements. Wage subsidies are also being provided for another 800 jobs with non-profit community organizations through the Student Summer Skills Incentive Program.“Students are looking to gain real world experience and connect with employers who are willing to give them a chance to learn and get a head start on building their careers here,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “These programs benefit our young people and employers, and contribute to a stronger workforce and economy."The Co-operative Education Incentive Program provides wage assistance to private sector, government-funded and non-profit organizations offering career-related work experiences for university and community college students enrolled in co-operative education.“Metamaterial Technologies Inc. sees the potential in students,” said Ben Parmiter, a Co-operative Education Incentive Program student with the company. “The experience I’m getting through the program and at the company is going to help me in my education and in my career.” Metamaterial Technologies Inc. hired four students through the program this summer. They find students bring fresh ideas and new talents to the workplace.“Employers benefit from the program too,” said Oshrit Harel, manager, research and development and materials engineering, at Metamaterial Technologies Inc. “We see that students think from different angles and tackle problems differently, which is so beneficial for our work.”The Student Summer Skills Incentive offers wage assistance to non-profit organizations that provide career-related summer jobs to students going into university or community college in the fall.Source: Release