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By Dianne George
With BC’s unemployment rate at a 30-year low and expected to hover at the 4-per-cent mark for the next five years, employers are looking for new ways to fill the ranks and are seeking out UVic students as part of the solution.
A pilot agreement that commits the provincial government to provide a specific number of opportunities each year was recently signed by Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon and University of Victoria President David Turpin.
“This memorandum of understanding (MOU) demonstrates how our government is implementing its vision to be an employer of choice,” says Falcon. “BC government jobs are exciting, challenging, rewarding and are the perfect fit for UVic business students.”
“This is an excellent model that reinforces our links with the government and creates opportunities for students,” says Turpin. “It formalizes an existing relationship with our business faculty and provides all parties with a strong level of commitment and support from each other.”
The agreement, among the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, the Integrated Land Management Bureau and the Faculty of Business, will provide six to 10 opportunities each year to help business students gain career experience through co-op work terms and to support student learning through applied consulting projects and by providing mentors.
“We hope to expand the pilot project to other faculties and involve other government ministries,” says Dean of Business Dr. Ali Dastmalchian.
The MOU may be viewed online (pdf).
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