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Top five reasons for employers to hire co-op students

October 25, 2006

Faculty of Business at Brock University sees need to educate employers on benefits of co-operative education

Co-operative education has come a long way since the program was first initiated in 1957. Although enrollment continues to flourish the possibilities for growth are much greater. Employers from across Canada will play a pivotal role in the fulfillment of this goal.

The Faculty of Business at Brock University, a leader in cooperative education in Ontario contends employers across the country should be educated about the many benefits to that they can make informed decisions about participation in quality programs. Canadian post-secondary institutions need to engage employers on the many values of co-operative education. According to the Faculty of Business at Brock University, the top five benefits to co-op employment are:

• Employers will have access to a year-round supply of motivated students who have completed significant academic and employment-readiness training.
• Co-op employees can provide relief for short-term peaks in workload, or special projects and research. Employers can reduce the costs associated with recruiting through traditional media sources or third party vendors.
• Employing Co-op students is a cost-effective and low-risk means of recruiting and evaluating potential permanent hires.
• Employers will establish an enhanced presence and image with the best students.
• Energetic, highly motivated and creative students can offer fresh perspectives and solutions to the issues challenging an employers business.

"Canada is a recognized leader in the field of co-operative education. As an instructional method, co- operative education has fostered the growth of several prominent Canadian companies. There is no doubt that the business community could further benefit from an infusion of human capital," explained Cindy Dunne, Director of Co-operative Education. "Our co-operative students have been fortunate to work with some of the most respected companies in the country including General Motors and Hydro One. If we continue to exude the benefits of co-operative education, the list of companies benefiting will continue to grow."

Additional information on the Faculty of Business at Brock and the virtual information sessions is available at: www.bus.brocku.ca

About Brock University's Faculty of Business
The Faculty of Business at Brock University is committed to being a leading international centre for the creation, teaching and application of new, innovative management thinking. The beneficiaries of their dedication and success will be the students, community and global business.

For further information, contact: Stephen Murdoch, Senior Consultant, OEB International, phone: 905-682-7203, ext. 22; e-mail: smurdoch@oeb.com

Susan LeBlanc, Advancement Officer, Faculty of Business, Brock University, phone: 905-788-9518, ext. 4688; e-mail: sleblanc@brocku.ca

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