“It’s all part of supporting the next generation of workers”

Amidst a global pandemic, UPEI’s Co-operative Education program had a landmark year with its highest number of students drawn from the widest variety of academic programs securing work term placements this summer. In partnership with primarily local employers, 73 undergraduate students across three faculties were employed in roles benefitting the students’ professional development and providing employers with access to high-quality talent. The co-op program had a 100 per cent placement rate for the summer, with every student seeking a work term through the program being hired.

Stephen Donaldson can see the benefit of UPEI’s Co-operative Education program every day. The director of research and development at Island Abbey Food Science said several of the co-op students they have taken on have since started careers with the company.

“We have hired many students into full-time roles after graduating,” said Donaldson. “It’s a great way to find good new hires. It is also good, from the students’ perspective, to get to know the organization and know what they are signing on to.”

Co-operative education combines classroom studies with practical work experience outside the university environment, enhancing student learning by applying, testing, and observing theoretical concepts in meaningful work situations.

Vidya Singh is a chemistry major at UPEI who worked as a research and development student at Island Abbey Foods through UPEI Co-operative Education.

“This experience has not only helped sharpen my hard skills but also allowed professional and academic growth,” said Singh. “Theories learned in class were put into practice throughout this work term, and the new techniques learned have helped strengthen my resume. Additionally, building a professional network has been a significant source of knowledge about new perspectives and ideas, and has not only helped me learn about job opportunities but also has contributed to raising my professional profile.”

Donaldson calls co-op education a win-win for employers and students.

“The feedback we received from past students was positive,” he said. “They enjoyed their experience here and learned a lot. It does take time and money to hire them and manage them, including ensuring they get the adequate experience and training. But the rewards outweigh the investment. They offer a real benefit to the organization, able to do specific smaller scale projects that are time-consuming for the full-time team. For the return we get with the increased knowledge and insight, it’s a great investment for employers.”

Co-op provides an opportunity for students to

• apply classroom theory and concepts in the workplace.
• gain marketable skills and experience for a competitive advantage post-graduation.
• begin to develop a professional network and industry contacts.
• earn money while learning.
• refine their resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies with ongoing support from the Co-op Office.
• try out possible post-graduation career choices.
• gain confidence.
• add value to their bachelor’s degree with the Co-operative Education designation.

Donaldson feels the co-op program has value above and beyond the surface experience. He takes that very seriously as an employer.

“We have an obligation to train the students in our functional activity and give them a broad range of experience,” he said. “It’s all part of supporting the next generation of workers, whatever company they go on to. We firmly believe if we all do this, we all collectively benefit from a higher quality class of graduates.”

UPEI Co-operative Education is currently accepting applications for the next cohort of students until September 19. Find out more on their website.

Opportunities to employ co-op students are available in all semesters, with the program currently seeking employers for the Winter 2022 semester. Information on hiring co-op students available on the Community and Industry Co-op website page.