Interior students to benefit from more co-op, work-integrated learning opportunities

Two Okanagan NDP MLA’s are touting an expansion of co-op and work-integrated learning opportunities, saying they will do a lot to serve Interior students.

The B.C. Government announced Friday that 3,000 new co-op and work integrated learning (WIL) opportunities will be open to students in the province.

A one-time $5.5-million investment is being used to bolster these programs, which will create more opportunities throughout the province, including in the Interior.

Okanagan College will receive nearly $450,000 to develop relationships with small and medium sized businesses in nearby communities, support students with disabilities and Indigenous students in accessing WIL opportunities, and increase outreach to employers in rural regions.

UBC-Okanagan is being awarded $80,000 to develop co-op placements with not-for-profit organizations in the Okanagan. UBCO, in partnership with Thompson Rivers University and the University of Northern British Columbia, will receive an additional $204,000 in funding to recruit new employers and increase co-op and internship placements across the Interior and the North.

“Everyone deserves the chance to find a job that they’re passionate about,” said Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu.

“And we know that businesses that attract diverse candidates perform better. I’m really happy to see schools creating more work experience opportunities for students with disabilities and Indigenous students, giving everyone the chance to realize their potential and added financial stability to reduce stress and focus on their studies.”

“B.C. colleges and universities offer students incredible education and experiences that will stay with them for life,” added Boundary-Similkameen MLA Roly Russell.

“For employers in rural communities, attracting and retaining employees can be a challenge. I’m so pleased to see Okanagan College and universities across the Interior working to bridge these gaps, and am grateful that we’re able to support their work.”

The province notes that these opportunities are important for training the next generation and preparing them to enter the workforce, especially because the 2019 B.C. Labour Market Outlook forecasts that more than 860,000 jobs would be opening in the next decade, with 77 per cent of those requiring some level of post-secondary education or training.