Brandon University's Co-operative Education Program (BU Co-op) continues to demonstrate its impact, with 42 out of 48 participating students already having secured summer employment in 2025. These students, employed in work that's related to their field of study, gain paid experience and build connections in industries across Manitoba and beyond.
Students in the BU Co-op program access valuable learning opportunities at all manner of workplaces.
"We are so proud of this year's outstanding employment rate, with 87.5 per cent of Co-op students at work this summer," said Cora Dupuis, Co-operative Education Coordinator, noting that this year's results reflect incredible achievement, especially in a tightened job market.
Data from CEWIL Canada, the national industry group on co-operative education and work-integrated learning, show that youth unemployment is at a historic high, and 40 per cent of employers are reducing staff due to automation. Despite BU's success, post-secondary institutions from across Canada are reporting the lowest summer co-op numbers since COVID.
"The strength of the BU Co-op program lies in the drive and adaptability of our students, as well as the invaluable support from our local employers who continue to invest in their potential," Dupuis said.
BU Co-op students are working across sectors and settings from small businesses and local non-profits to medium-sized firms, large corporations, and both provincial and federal government departments. Over the course of their work terms, students are learning to contribute meaningfully, develop confidence, and get a clearer sense of where they want to go next.
"Co-op is a game-changer," said Benjamin Slomiany, a Bachelor of Business Administration student majoring in Accounting. "I went from having no options for work connected to my field of study this year to having multiple job offers. Being part of Co-op opened doors I didn't even know existed."
Employers also see the benefit of welcoming student talent. Rob Starkell, Owner of West-Can HR, hired a BU Co-op student for the first time this year and says the experience has been a win-win.
"We were impressed not just by the student's technical ability, but by their eagerness to learn and contribute," Starkell said. "The support from the Co-op office made the entire process straightforward, and it's been rewarding to invest in someone early in their career. We'd absolutely do it again."
Brandon University's senior leadership continues to champion the role of experiential learning in a modern university education.
"In the short time I have been in this role, getting to observe Cora's passion and commitment has been a definite highlight. Brandon University Co-op program is one of the ways we connect our students with opportunity," said Dr. Greg Gatien, Acting Provost & Vice-President (Academic). "Our students are making meaningful contributions to their communities while developing the kind of agility and insight that will serve them well throughout their careers. This is education in action, and it is a thrill to see the high-quality work being produced by our faculty and students alike."
The BU Co-op program was launched in 2018-19 and has grown steadily since then. In 2025, the program supported 48 students from the Faculties of Arts, and Science engaging Indigenous, international, and domestic students in career-building opportunities in Brandon and beyond.
"A Brandon University education equips students for a lifetime of thoughtful engagement in their neighbourhoods and communities, and also for most students, a career is one of their primary concerns," said Dr. Kofi Campbell, BU's Acting President. "The Co-op program helps students get a head start on their future careers, by getting them through the workplace door to gain valuable early experience before they've even graduated."
For more information about the BU Co-op program and its recent achievements, please visit BrandonU.ca/Co-op or contact the BU Co-op office at 204-571-7848.
"Our students bring curiosity, creativity, and heart to their work," said Dupuis. "We're excited to keep building a culture of Co-op at BU one that equips students not just for jobs, but for meaningful contributions and long-term career success."
