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DOUGLAS COLLEGE

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Coop Ed Catches On |

The enthusiasm of Gordon Gilgan, |
Douglas College's Dean of Academic
Programs, becomes readily apparent
when the topic turns to a new pro-
posal to help students "earn while
they learn".

Cooperative Education is off toa
flying start, Gilgan says, and it
is attracting widespread interest
from some of the largest businesses
in the lower mainland.

Gilgan, along with representatives
of BCIT and the Burnaby Chamber of
Commerce, had the opportunity to
present their Coop Ed proposals to
over 150 business people on January
31, and the response was "terrific".
Gilgan, along with Bouglas College
President Bill Day, the Dean of
Applied Programs, Terry Clement,
and coordinators from the business
and social service faculties, spoke
on what Coop Ed can bring to busi-
ness.

into the work force,
| officers will set up job interviews,

‘businesses, Gilgan says.

meetings started, the Chamber of

 

 

placement

helping students with career planning
and working with businesses to
arrange wage subsidies.

The January meeting has also proven
to be extremely useful in making the
all important first contact with

"We had people from all types of
businesses come out and the reception
was more than just warm," he says.
"I outlined the uniqueness of Douglas
College's proposal and helped to get
the ball rolling."

And he doesn't underestimate the help
of local Chambers of Commerce either.

"This month is Education Month in

Burnaby, and I can expect even more
help with our own, and BCIT's propo-
sals," Gilgan says. "By getting these

Commerce has helped the people in the
community become aware of our ser-
vices."

The first year of Coop Ed should see

 

"The basic gist of this program is
to connect the College and businesses
into a helping situation," Gilgan
says. "As this proposal develops we
expect to find the needs of both
groups become more apparent and re-
solvable."

The Cooperative Education plan works
like this.
of 16 different disciplines at
Douglas College have the opportunity
to apply for status under Coop Ed.

Once in the program, the students
will spend at least one semester
studying the skills they need for th
labour force, and Douglas College ha
a mandate to find that person their
job opportunity.

To help ease the transition

Students enrolled in one §

over 100 students find work in the

community, Gilgan says, and after tha
ver 200 people a year could find ther
irst real job experience through the

rogram.

re is an entirely new direction
For Douglas College, and as myself
nd the other deans and administrators
ee it, it's a much needed direction."

he added assistance of John Watson of
he Federal Ministry of Employment and
mmigration is also helping to turn

oop Ed into one of the newest and

ost exciting educational opportuni-
ies for young people in all of Canada
ilgan says.

i"Employers will soon be able to get
real productivity out of the students
iregistered in Coop Ed because the