BURNABY – New Democrat MLAs Janet Routledge, Katrina Chen, Anne Kang, and Raj Chouhan say students at Simon Fraser University will have greater access to valuable learning opportunities with new co-op and work-integrated learning funding.

“Post-secondary students deserve to have access to opportunities that will help them get good jobs here in B.C.,” said Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby North. “Investing in an economy that works for everyone, including students, is a crucial part of building strong and resilient communities across B.C.”

Simon Fraser University is receiving $145,000 to expand work-integrated learning opportunities for students who experience marginalization through new curriculum, and by working directly with students to find appropriate work-integrated learning experiences.

“Creating new opportunities for growth and learning is one of the ways we can best support students,” said Katrina Chen, MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed. “Our government is dedicated to empowering post-secondary students so they can thrive in the classroom and in their careers.”

This one-time funding will expand co-op and work-integrated learning programs and focus on placements in sectors impacted by the pandemic. In total, 47 projects are being funded at all 25 public post-secondary institutions in B.C, creating up to 3,000 new co-op and work-integrated learning placements for students.

Investing in an economy that works for everyone is part of the New Democrat government’s plan to build back a stronger B.C.

QUOTES:

Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake and Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training

“The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted youth employment prospects, including reducing the number of co-op and work integrated learning placements available to students. We are investing in these opportunities to help students access the hands-on experiences they need to launch their careers. Helping employers throughout the province offer co-op and work-integrated learning opportunities is good news for business and great news for students.”

Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds

“The pandemic has been challenging for all members of the Burnaby community, including post-secondary students. Building B.C. back better means investing in new opportunities for students across the province.”

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021AEST0077-002292