BCCA to launch Co-operative Career Internship Program, November 23rd, 2009

16 Nov 2009

The Co-operative Career Internship Program is a new BCCA initiative designed to give eight youth interns experience in the co-op sector in BC. BCCA will help co-ops select, train and support interns for 21-week placements in the province. Eight youth in the province will have the opportunity to become involved in the co-op and credit union sector.  BCCA will provide them with an education in the history of the co-op movement and in the structure of co-operative enterprise. Interns will make strong connections with the co-operatives and credit unions in their communities, and in addition to gaining valuable skills they will come to understand and appreciate the role of co-ops and credit unions in contributing to the quality of life in their communities.

This program is federally supported through Service Canada and as part of the Career Focus program, Service Canada subsidizes intern wages by 50%. The BCCA program is modeled on the success of the programs currently running in Ontario and Alberta. OnCo-op in  Ontario has been running similar programs since 2002 with huge success and now offers the program twice a year and accept 30 interns annually.  Nearly half of the 2008 interns found work in the co-op sector after finishing their placements.

This program is available to members of BCCA, or organizations applying for membership in 2009 and is in the final stages of approval with Service Canada.  If you would like to request an application, or more information please contact the Director of Youth Programs, Chelsea Lake at youth@bcca.coop.

Category: Youth