Langley MLAs say students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University will benefit from more co-op and work-integrated learning opportunities

LANGLEY – New Democrat MLAs Megan Dykeman and Andrew Mercier say students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University will have greater access to valuable learning opportunities with new co-op and work-integrated learning (WIL) funding.

“By providing students with hands-on learning opportunities during their degrees, we strengthen our workforce. Co-op and Work Integrated Learning placements ensure that we are setting students up for success as they exit post-secondary and enter the workforce, whether it be in environmental protection technology, human resources, or a variety of other programs across the province. The sky is the limit!” said Andrew Mercier, MLA for Langley.

KPU will receive $124,681 to support multiple programs, including the Museum and Non-Profit Sector Startup in partnership with the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce, the Township of Langley, Kwantlen First Nation and other partners to create WIL placements for students in the non-profit and cultural sectors.

“Our government knows it is important to provide students with work experience that they can take back to their communities, and it’s great to see that the programs we are supporting at Kwantlen have such a strong local lens,” said Megan Dykeman, MLA for Langley East. “These work placements are going to benefit students and employers here in Langley and across British Columbia.”

Other programs included in the funding are:

  • A Seat at the Table: Expanding WIL Opportunities for Under-represented Students and Programs which will hire an Employer Relations Assistant to recruit more Indigenous students to participate in WIL pograms.
  • The Service Learning Program that will work with faculty to coordinate new service learning placements for KPU students with local organizations.

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.

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