Why hire a student?

All NSCC programs require a period of work-integrated learning where students can apply their trained skills on the job. Employers like you can benefit greatly from taking on an NSCC student. The benefits include:

• Work-ready students for extra support during busy periods of the year or for special projects.
• Opportunities to evaluate and identify potential future employees as part of your long-term recruitment strategy.
• Fresh perspectives that students bring to your workforce.
• Opportunity to foster the next generation of employees by providing them with valuable career-related work experiences.
• Funding is available for employers who hire students and recent grads.

Types of work placements

NSCC has four types of work experience programs: field experience, co-op, internships and service learning. 

Field experience

• 5 to 8 weeks (paid or unpaid)
• Field experiences provide opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills outside of the classroom
• Over 100 programs offer field experiences
• Most programs provide field experiences during the spring, although schedules vary by program

Co-operative education

• 12 to 16 weeks (paid)
• Over 50 diploma programs offer co-op (PDF 72KB)
• Co-op is mandatory in Culinary Management* and Business - Hospitality
• NSCC follows Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada guidelines

Internship

• 14 weeks (paid)
• Our International Business and Oceans Technology programs include an internship during the final term

Service learning

• Service learning combines service to the community with learning
• Many programs include a service learning component, where students serve with a local organization or partner to address a community need

Funding for hiring students and graduates

There are a number of funding opportunities available to employers interested in hiring students and graduates.

Get financial help to hire a current student through these incentive programs:

• Canada Summer Jobs - funding to create summer jobs for students aged 15 to 30
• Co-op Education Incentive - funding to hire co-op students
• ECO Canada - funding to hire students in an environmental role
• Industrial Research Assistance Program (Youth Employment Program) - funding to encourage the hiring and training of youth (ages 15-30) who can provide science, technology, engineering and mathematics support
• Student Work Placement Program (SWAPP) - a variety of funding opportunities that provide work-integrated learning opportunities for students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and business
• Summer Student Skill Incentive (SKILL) - funding for non-profit organizations to hire summer students

Get financial help to hire graduates through these incentive programs:

• Clean Leadership Program - funding to hire graduates in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or environment-focused positions
• CiCan Career Launcher Internships - funding towards an intern's salary
• ECO Canada - funding to support the hire of a grad in a new, full-time environmental job 
• Graduate to Opportunity (GTO) - funding to cover a portion of a recent grad's first- and second-year salaries
• Industrial Research Assistance Program (Youth Employment Program) - funding to encourage the hiring and training of youth (ages 15-30) who can provide science, technology, engineering and mathematics support
• Mitacs Career Connect - funding for a 6-month placement valued at $20,000 to $25,000 in science, technology, engineering or math
• Scientific Research and Experimental Development Program - offers tax deductions for current and capital expenditures as well as investment tax credits
• Science and Technology Internship Program - provides an opportunity to recent graduates in natural science and engineering
• Work Smarts - funding to provide employment for recent grads

Insurance guidelines

Review our Work Integrated Learning - Insurance Guidelines (PDF 152KB) to learn more about student and partner/employer coverage requirements.

Contact us

Tell us your needs and we’ll help you find a student. Email