Brandon University’s Co-op program finalist in Brandon Chamber Achievement Awards
BU NEWS — April 6, 2023
Brandon University’s (BU’s) thriving Co-operative Education program has been recognized as a finalist for the Brandon Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Awards — Community Impact Business category.
This acknowledgement is a testament to the outstanding contributions the program has made to the community over the last five years. Since its start in 2019, BU Co-op has served more than 100 students across 26 disciplines and worked with 37 local and regional employers. In the first cohort, there were 10 co-op students; now the program now has 60 participating! That’s a 500% growth.
“The numbers keep going up, because employers see the value in the skills, ideas and energy that our BU students bring to the workplace,” said Cora Dupuis, BU Co-op Coordinator. “We’ve had domestic, international and Indigenous students working for small, medium and large businesses, non-profits and provincial and federal government agencies. We’re happy to help find the right match to benefit the students and the employers.
As Canada’s Finest Regional University, BU is committed to responding to community needs and cultivating success in western Manitoba. The University’s strategic plan emphasizes how the connection between the community and BU’s students, faculty and staff builds strength that benefits everyone.
“BU Co-op is an economic driver for our region, contributing to the vitality of our city, and continues to engage talented young people in our workforce and community,” said Dr. Kofi Campbell, BU’s Provost & Vice-President (Academic). “We’re changing lives with these work experiences by launching careers and helping employers to find the talent they are looking for.”
Westman businesses are also pleased that hiring students keeps them in the region between academic terms and develops a skilled and experienced workforce that is more likely to remain here after graduation thanks to the relationships and networks they have established.
“The BU Co-op program is a great initiative for students who are looking for opportunities to gain experience in their field and for the businesses that hire them,” said Andrea Epp, Founder of Epp Law and the person who nominated the BU Co-op program for the Community Impact Award. “I personally have taken advantage of the program for my growing business and was able to hire a student, at an affordable rate, working at my office. The student was a great addition to my team, and now she’s in law school, taking the next step in her career.”
Dupuis and Brandon University are gearing up for another wonderful summer with dozens of students connecting with local and regional employers. “We’re optimistic that all 60 of our co-op students will land relevant and meaningful work experiences this summer,” Dupuis said. “Our students can’t wait to get into the workforce to share their skills, and I’m just as excited to see what they’ll accomplish!”
The recipient in the Community Impact Award will be announced at the 140th Brandon Chamber of Commerce Gala on Thursday, April 13, 2023.
For more information about becoming a part of the BU Co-op program, contact Cora at 204-571-7848 or DupuisC@BrandonU.ca or visit BrandonU.ca/Co-op.
Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca