Co-ops and internships
Our position
The next generation of Canada’s entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators require a broad set of skills to succeed in and contribute to the global economy. To meet this need, universities are equipping students with career-boosting learning experiences, such as paid co-ops and internships, research projects and mentorship programs. But more needs to be done. Universities support the call by the Canadian Business/Higher Education Roundtable for access to work-integrated learning for 100 percent of Canadian postsecondary students.
News
By the numbers
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80%of employers
Four out of five employers surveyed say co-op and internship students are a source of new talent and potential future employees.
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56%benefit from hands-on learning
More than half of today’s undergraduates benefit from experiential learning – such as co-ops, internships and service learning – as part of their university education.
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25%growth in co-ops
Enrolment in co-op programs at universities has jumped by 25 percent in recent years, from 53,000 students in 2006 to 65,000 students in 2013.
“Work-integrated learning also improves economic access for minority groups, especially Indigenous Canadians and new Canadians… It’s a social leveller.”