FRANCAIS

April 29, 2003

Advanced Education and Training Minister Diane McGifford today unveiled a new initiative to provide training and work experience for students that will create more employment opportunities through co-operative education work placements.

"This new plan will support students by providing work experience and assist employers in meeting their need for qualified labour," said McGifford. "This is a win-win situation that encourages employers to take part in work placement programs that will, over the long term, help them ensure the province has enough qualified workers to meet market demands."

Budget 2003 outlines a new 10 per cent tax credit of up to $1,000 per student that is designed to encourage employers to provide a work placement for co-op education students.

The minister noted co-operative education programs formally integrate academic studies with work experience. Academic work is alternated with on-the-job experience in private sector businesses, industries or governments as approved by co-operative educational institutions. In the 2002-03 fiscal year, there were a total of 567 college and 300 university students in co-op programs in Manitoba.

"Employers have identified a challenge in attracting qualified labour to fill job vacancies," said McGifford. "This tax credit is designed to help employers attract students from recognized post-secondary education programs from within and outside Manitoba. This is a strategic investment in the provincial economy."

The minister noted this new program will give employers the opportunity to hire students on a short-term basis and to offer permanent employment after a successful co-op placement.

For more information on the new tax credit for co-op education, please contact the Council on Post-Secondary Education (COPSE) at 204-945-1833.

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