Co-op program puts student’s career plans on the front page
(NC)–Matt Robinson had an idea that he’d like to have a career in journalism but he wanted a chance to explore it first. Now, thanks to a co-operative education placement at a local newspaper, he knows that he enjoys journalism and that it’s the right career choice for him.
Four days a week, Matt spends mornings at the The Expositor in Brantford writing articles for publication. "Before I began my placement," says Matt, "I expected to shadow other journalists before writing any stories myself. But when I started, my supervisor asked me to come up with story ideas right away."
Matt’s first assignment was to write an article about how the September 11 tragedies affected teenagers. The feedback he received for that piece was very encouraging and he’s been continually working on new stories ever since. "When I arrive at the office at 9 a.m.," adds Matt, "I just go in and write."
"The co-op students we place operate as if they were working reporters," explains Mary-Anne Davies, Matt’s supervisor at The Expositor. "They write features that are published in a dedicated page called Vibes in our Saturday edition."
After graduating from high school, Matt intends to study journalism at a community college. He knows that when he finishes his studies, he’ll already have a portfolio of published articles that will distinguish him from other graduates who may lack professional experience.
Word of mouth from other students prompted Matt to give co-operative education a try. Based on his experience, he doesn’t hesitate to recommend the program himself. "Try it, especially if it’s what you think you want to do for a career. It will look good on your résumé and it lets a prospective employer know you’ve been in the workplace."
Matt attends W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind and has, in addition to an extreme sensitivity to light, a condition known as nystagmus that impedes the ability of his eyes to focus. So how, you might wonder, does he manage to write? "When I’m working on a document at the computer," explains Matt, "I turn the page black and the font white so I can see it without difficulty." During the day when he’s outside, Matt wears a hat and very dark sunglasses. Whether pursuing a story indoors or out, Matt’s vision is no barrier to fully participating in co-operative education.
For the employer, there are concrete benefits as well. "Any employer could benefit from the co-op program," comments Davies. "We rely on students to fill up a well-read page in our Saturday paper. They take that responsibility very seriously and are a definite asset."
Beginning in September 2000, all school boards were required to offer to interested high school students out-of-classroom work experiences, such as the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, co-operative education, job shadowing and other school-work transition opportunities.
"It makes sense for all employers – especially those with an aging work force – to apprentice younger workers from local schools, and provide opportunities for young people to learn more about careers in their industry," said Dianne Cunningham, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.
With the help of a team of committed employers and educators, the Ontario government introduced the Passport to Prosperity campaign to recruit more employers to provide work experience opportunities for high school students. Employers who want to help schools create more work experiences can call 1-800-387-5514 (in Toronto call 416-325-2929) to find out how to contact their school board and nearby high schools.
