Co-operative Education Connects Students With Good Jobs

Matt Lowe cannot wait to begin his career as a medical doctor, and he credits the province's High School Co-operative Education Program with helping him make his future career plans.

Mr. Lowe, a Grade 12 student at Sackville High School, enrolled in the co-op program hoping to get some exposure to a career in the medical field. During his placement with the IWK Health Centre Pediatric Cancer Research Lab, he not only gained exposure to many different aspects of the health care sector, his work will be published as part of a team in a renowned medical journal.

"Before I enrolled in co-op, I knew I had an interest in health care, and thought I wanted to pursue the research field," said Mr. Lowe. "Now I realize that I want to be the one putting research into practice as a medical doctor, with the hope of doing research later in my career."

"Because of co-op I have built strong relationships with doctors and researchers who will support me as I head to university. Without co-op, I may have spent years chasing the wrong job. "

More and more students like Mr. Lowe are taking advantage of the province's High School Co-operative Education Program. Last year, 4,000 co-op credits were earned connecting more than 3,000 high school students with employers.

Education Minister Marilyn More recognized some of those co-op students and employers during a celebration of success event, today, Nov. 16.

"Co-op helps students make informed career and education decisions that are opening the door to the many good jobs Nova Scotia has to offer," said Ms. More. "The thousands of students and employers who participate in the program each year are helping to build a stronger workforce and economy for Nova Scotia."

Over the past four years, enrolment in co-op programs has increased by 700 per cent, and continues to grow. To support this growth, more employers are needed.

"We need to get more young people out in the workforce exploring the great jobs we have available here in Nova Scotia," said Dave Strickland, co-op teacher at Sackville High School.

"Co-op is a great course because it exposes students to a diverse mix of careers. I have students placed with welders, graphic designers and doctors, and each student is gaining experience that will help them make their own personal career plans for the future.”

During the celebration of success, the Department of Education launched the new co-operative education video to promote the program to students, parents, employers and other key stakeholders across the province.

To learn more about co-operative education, visit www.gov.ns.ca/coop .