B.C. post-secondary institutions getting funding to provide more co-op opportunities

More co-op and work-integrated learning opportunities are coming to post-secondary students in British Columbia.

The province’s 25 public university, colleges and institutes are receiving nearly $1.9 million in funding, equal to $75,000 each, to make these opportunities happen.

That funding was announced by Melanie Mark, minister of advanced education, during a visit to SAP Labs Canada in Vancouver, where 175 co-op students and interns are working.

I love the fresh energy and creativity that co-op students bring! Today I had the pleasure of announcing $1.9m to support #CoopEducation throughout the province. @SChandraHerbert @BruceRalston @SAP @BCIT #tech #stem #bcpsi https://t.co/PgxiFAepKf pic.twitter.com/rz9dKCf0UX

— Melanie Mark (@melaniejmark) July 23, 2018

"Work-integrated learning gives students the opportunities to build the best future for themselves and their families," said Mark.

"These co-op opportunities allow students to apply what they learn in the classroom in the real world. Employers get the chance to identify new talent and benefit from the fresh ideas and energy students bring."

The funds will allow schools to support outreach to more employers, increase awareness of the benefits of this type of learning and improve their ability to put students in the right co-op spots.

Co-op education is the best-known method of work-integrated learning, combining academic studies with paid work experience in career-related fields.

Other forms of work-integrated learning include internships, practicums and applied research projects.