NSCC recognizes 2025 Co-op and WIL Students of the Year

Each year, NSCC recognizes two outstanding students whose Work Integrated Learning (WIL) or co-op experience demonstrates exceptional skills, professionalism and impact. These opportunities allow students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real workplaces – and in doing so, shape their future careers.

Co-op Student of the Year

Min (Jeff) Gong, Culinary Management, Akerley Campus

Choosing the co-op route

For Jeff, co-op education was more than a program requirement – it was the reason he chose NSCC. “As a newcomer to Canada and a career changer, I wanted the opportunity to apply my learning in a real workplace and better understand the culinary field in Nova Scotia,” he says. He was especially drawn to healthcare food service, where cooking directly supports people’s wellbeing.

The value of hands-on learning

Jeff completed his co-op at Oakwood Terrace, a long-term care home where he helped prepare meals for more than 110 residents each day. “I worked in a high-volume healthcare kitchen, preparing therapeutic diets such as pureed, gluten-free and lactose-free meals,” he explains. “It strengthened my technical skills, confidence and ability to work with consistency and care.”

The impact of co-op

One moment stands out clearly. “A resident’s family member told me the BBQ chicken I made was ‘the best she ever had.’ That reminded me that good food is not only about nutrition, but also about comfort, dignity and connection.” The experience confirmed that he had chosen the right path. “Cooking is not only a profession, but also a meaningful way to serve others and contribute to the community.”

Applying NSCC learning

Jeff credits NSCC's Culinary Management program for preparing him to step confidently into a healthcare kitchen. “The program gave me a strong foundation in food safety, production, teamwork and professionalism,” he says. “Those skills helped me adapt quickly."

Looking ahead

Jeff hopes to continue at Oakwood Terrace after graduation, begin his Institutional Cook apprenticeship and work toward Red Seal certification. His long-term goal: a career in healthcare food service, preparing meals that are safe, nourishing and meaningful for seniors and vulnerable populations.

WIL Student of the Year

Tsira Mamaladeze, IT Programming, IT Campus

Gaining WIL experience

For Tsira, work-integrated learning (WIL) was a bridge between her technical studies, her previous professional experience and her future in IT. “It helped me connect my analytical, communication and problem-solving skills with software development and collaboration in practice,” she says.

Her placement focused on the C.A.R.E. project – a web‑based educational tool supporting continuing care assistant and licensed practical nursing students in practicing digital patient record documentation. “I contributed from a project manager/business analysis and systems perspective while also engaging in design, development, testing and iterative improvements,” she explains.

Working in a multidisciplinary team was a highlight for Tsira. “Everyone brought different strengths and perspectives, which strengthened my confidence, adaptability and understanding of how technology projects operate in real‑world settings.”

Applying classroom skills

Tsira says NSCC’s IT Programming program prepared her to navigate both technical and functional requirements. “Beyond programming knowledge, time management, teamwork and adaptability were especially important,” she says. “As a mature international student balancing school, family and a new career, I learned how to stay organized, learn quickly and contribute positively.”

The impact of WIL

A pivotal moment was realizing her previous career experience still held value in her new career. “Moving to Canada and starting over professionally was a major life transition,” she says. “Being able to contribute meaningfully to a real project gave me a lot of confidence.”

She also found deep meaning in the project’s potential impact. “The C.A.R.E. project was recognized for its potential to be integrated into the Practical Nursing curriculum. Seeing that was incredibly rewarding.”

Tsira credits the guidance from faculty and Applied Research partners, including Dan Penny and Beth, and acknowledges the original concept proposed by Michelle Bisset. She emphasizes shared ownership with classmates Dylan Cunningham, Kangjie Su, Hannah Osmond, Mitchell Yetman and Katelyn Clements.

Long-term influence

This experience helped Tsira see how her background in banking and business analysis complements her IT training. “It confirmed that I want to continue in roles that combine technology, analysis, systems thinking and problem solving,” she says.

WIL has helped her take the next step in her career, as she now works with the Deployment and Operations team for One Person One Record, gaining experience in large-scale healthcare system operations.

Advice for students

She encourages students to stay curious and confident. “Remain open to learning, keep asking questions and don’t underestimate the value of your skills and personal strengths,” she says. “Stay focused on understanding the ‘why’ behind what you're building. When you lead with collaboration and a commitment to understanding needs, you can navigate any complex project.