OTTAWA — Employers looking for a cost-effective source of qualified employees will likely find what they need through the University of Ottawa’s co-operative education programs.

CO-OP is a three-way partnership between the University, students and employers. Students apply their classroom knowledge to a series of four-month work experiences, while employers reap the unique benefits of CO-OP recruitment, including year-round access to well-motivated, qualified employees. The University of Ottawa has roughly 600 students admitted every year in CO-OP, in more than 72 disciplines.

“Our CO-OP stream has been running for over 30 years and ranks among the top five in Canada,” says Carmen Poulin, director of the Co-operative Education at uOttawa. “Students begin their first work term after completing two years of study, which guarantees the employer a well-trained and productive employee.”

Given the current economic situation, this option is even more important, because it provides new jobs and gives a boost to regional economies. In fact, the Government of Canada has just announced it will be providing $20 million over the next two years to enhance federal public service student-employment programs, which include co-operative education. The Government of Ontario also encouraged co-operative education in the last budget by increasing the Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit (CETC) from $1000 to $3000 per work term.

“For an employer, the opportunity is well worth looking into. You help stimulate the economy by creating jobs and promote your organization as one that's interested in developing the potential of young people,” adds Carmen Poulin.

For employers wishing to register to the CO-OP option, please visit http://www.coop.uottawa.ca/