Starting in 2013, students in Lakeland College’s business diploma program can apply the skills they’ve learned in the classroom to a job in industry during a four-month paid co-op placement.
Offered between students first year and second year of studies, this new live the learning opportunity is helpful for students and employers, says Brad Onofrychuk, chair of business at Lakeland College.
Students develop new skills, get exposure to different career paths, make industry contacts that may lead to full-time employment, and make the connection between what they’re learning in class and the skills needed in the workforce. As for employers, they can use the co-op placement for assistance with short-term projects and to help determine if the student is a good fit for permanent employment.
“This change was driven by students and by industry so I’m confident that it will be successful,” says Onofrychuk.
To participate in a co-op placement, students must meet certain requirements such as a satisfactory GPA in their first semester of studies. They must also participate in four half-day workshops such as resume writing and interview skills as they will be interviewed by potential employers.
This summer a co-op coordinator will be hired to work with students and potential employers.
“We want to see our students succeed and offering co-op placements is a tool that we believe will help them,” says Onofrychuk. He noted that Lakeland is one of only two colleges in Alberta where business students can participate in a co-op program.
Lakeland College’s business diploma features majors in accounting, appraisal and assessment, general business, marketing, and small business and entrepreneurship. All are offered at the Lloydminster campus.
Offered between students first year and second year of studies, this new live the learning opportunity is helpful for students and employers, says Brad Onofrychuk, chair of business at Lakeland College.
Students develop new skills, get exposure to different career paths, make industry contacts that may lead to full-time employment, and make the connection between what they’re learning in class and the skills needed in the workforce. As for employers, they can use the co-op placement for assistance with short-term projects and to help determine if the student is a good fit for permanent employment.
“This change was driven by students and by industry so I’m confident that it will be successful,” says Onofrychuk.
To participate in a co-op placement, students must meet certain requirements such as a satisfactory GPA in their first semester of studies. They must also participate in four half-day workshops such as resume writing and interview skills as they will be interviewed by potential employers.
This summer a co-op coordinator will be hired to work with students and potential employers.
“We want to see our students succeed and offering co-op placements is a tool that we believe will help them,” says Onofrychuk. He noted that Lakeland is one of only two colleges in Alberta where business students can participate in a co-op program.
Lakeland College’s business diploma features majors in accounting, appraisal and assessment, general business, marketing, and small business and entrepreneurship. All are offered at the Lloydminster campus.
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