National Co-operative Education Week kicks off today, March 20, and Nova Scotia is joining the celebration by highlighting the benefits of co-op.
Co-op education programs alternate academic study with work placements, giving students an opportunity to apply and develop their skills outside the classroom. Having real-world work experience gives them a competitive edge after they graduate.
“Co-op makes good sense. It gives students the chance to gain hands-on experience, make connections with employers, and get a foot in the door while they’re still in school,” said Kelly Regan, Minister responsible for Youth. “We also know that co-op graduates are more likely to be employed full-time, land jobs that are related to their studies, and earn more three years after graduation.”
Employers benefit, too. Students bring fresh, new talents and ideas to the workplace. Nova Scotia offers a financial incentive to private-sector, government-funded, and not-for-profit organizations that offer co-op placements for university and college students.
The Co-Op Education Incentive reimburses employers $7.50 an hour (up to 40 hours a week) toward a student’s wages. Additional funds are available for some research-focused employers.
The next round of applications for the incentive opens April 10. Employers interested in hiring a student for the fall 2017 term can visit novascotia.ca/programs/co-op-education-incentive/ to learn more.
National Co-Operative Education Week is an initiative of the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education. To learn more about co-op education, visit www.cafce.ca.
Source: Release