Selkirk’s Cooperative Education Benefits Community and Students
Students are being given the opportunity to expand their career options and further their education through valuable work experience provided by local businesses and organizations involved in Selkirk College’s Cooperative (Co-op) Education program.
Second year student, Kaylnn Cook, spent a few years working before she decided to go back to school. Interested in accounting and finance, Kaylnn entered the Business Administration program at Selkirk College with a Co-op option, in order to expand her career opportunities.
The program is one of many involved with Co-op Education which focuses on providing student-employer partnerships where students apply their academic training at work sites. Employers gain year-round access to motivated, capable student employees which could be viable future hires, while students receive relevant employment skills and realistic expectations of the work force before graduation.
Kaylnn spent this past summer working for Yule Anderson Chartered Accountants (CA) and feels the experience has greatly benefited her education and her future career. “It has opened a lot of doors for me,” Kaylnn says, “the opportunities I have had there have helped me grow, giving me valuable career experience. I also found it much easier to understand the subject matter in my classes.”
Yule Anderson CA has been involved with Selkirk's Co-op program for over 16 years, and many of the former co-op students are now employed with the company. One of the company's partners, Ron Anderson, began his employment with the company as a co-op student. “The program is great for our company, the community and the students. We are more than happy to be a part of it,” states company partner, Geoff Yule.
Kaylnn will be returning to the company for a year beginning in January 2010 and is happy she decided to join the Co-op program through Selkirk College. She recommends fellow students to participate if they have the option, stating that it is an excellent learning experience with life-long benefits.
Cooperative Education is available to students in the Business Administration (Accounting/Finance & Professional Management); University Transfer for Engineering; Forest Technology; Integrated Environmental Planning Technology; Renewable Energy; Recreation, Fish & Wildlife Technology; and Geographic Information Systems programs. The program creates well-qualified graduates who are prepared to take a productive role in society.
Students and organizations interested in becoming involved with Selkirk College’s Co-op program can contact Brenda Smith, Manager of Co-op Education and Employment Services, at 250.365.1280. Individuals can also visit selkirk.ca/programs/coop/ for more information.
First published on November 20, 2009
