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Asper Co-op students can apply their academic training in hands-on roles that contribute to the employer’s bottom line. (Photo credit: Darcy Finley)

MBiz: Asper Co-op gives students, employers competitive edge

June 13, 2017 — 

The Asper Co-operative Education Program was the focus of a recent article in MBiz magazine.

The article highlighted the benefits of paid work terms for the co-op employers who hire Asper students:

Established in 2006, the program gives employers an opportunity to recruit and “test-drive” highly motivated students who consistently excel during their four-month work placements.

“Approximately 80 per cent of our students will end up with their first career job post-graduation with one of their previous co-op employers, so it’s a great recruitment and retention tool for employers,” says Kelly Mahoney, director of the Asper Career Development Centre.

“You can bring them in for a four-month period and assess the skill set, the aptitude, personality fit with your team … and then if you like them you certainly have the opportunity to invite them to work full-time or do another placement.”

The students also benefit:

Students compete for paid work placements that are meaningful and relevant to their field of study. Starting at the end of their second year of university, they have three four-month co-op placements over the following two years. They’re exposed to different workplace cultures and management styles and they’re able to apply their academic training in hands-on roles that contribute to the employer’s bottom line.

Asper Co-op is the only Manitoba program accredited by CAFCE (the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education). Last year, 100 per cent of Asper Co-op students found employment after graduating. 96 per cent of employers said they would hire their co-op student if given the opportunity, and 99.6 per cent said they would recommend the program to other employers.

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