A two-year pilot project at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Strait Area Campus, aimed at helping students gain relevant, career-building work experience while attending the College, was unveiled by RBC and NSCC on April 6th.
The $100,000 donation was made possible by RBC Future Launch, a multi-year commitment to ensure Canadian youth are more confident, better prepared, and better equipped for the future of work. The contribution to Make Way - The Campaign for NSCC will benefit five to ten students each year.
Hired for part-time, on-campus jobs in their field of study, participants will enhance and expand their growing skillset by working on special projects and initiatives. Designed to give students professional development and job-readiness training outside of the classroom, the program ensures they are prepared to launch their careers at graduation.
"Young people are Canada's future talent and the future leaders of our country. Prosperity for all Canadians is directly linked to our ability to prepare young people to succeed in a fast-changing world of work," Patricia DePalma, RBC Regional Vice President Cape Breton and Northeastern Nova Scotia, said during a launch event at Strait Area Campus in Port Hawkesbury.
"By creating opportunities for students during their time at NSCC, we are providing a leg up for them as they enter the workforce."
Each RBC Student Works Fund participant will also have access to additional job-readiness initiatives, including professional development opportunities, safety certifications and essential equipment and / or uniforms.
"Many NSCC students are independent adults, and they want to hit the ground running when they graduate," notes NSCC President Don Bureaux. "This pilot project will allow them to do just that once they transition to the labour force." He adds, "Our hope is to secure funding through the Make Way Campaign to roll out the program to all 13 NSCC campuses across Nova Scotia."
The RBC Student Works Fund pilot project has been up and running at Strait Area Campus in Port Hawkesbury since January 2018, and is already realizing positive results.
Marine Engineering Technology student Harold Montgomery has been engaged through the program to help develop automated electrical training aids for the Nautical Institute's Marine Department. He's also researching the best solutions for food waste recycling at the Strait Area Campus.
He told attendees, "I'm gaining practical experience with technology that gives more depth to lessons learned in the classroom. Because of this opportunity, I'll be better prepared to contribute during work placements and to compete in the job market after graduation."
About Make Way - The Campaign for NSCC
Make Way is NSCC's most ambitious campaign to date, opening doors to education by raising $25 million to help students succeed. Through the generosity of donors, partners and sponsors, we are supporting students through scholarships, bursaries and urgent aid, as well as innovative learning, leading-edge instructional equipment and centres of expertise. Make Way is helping secure a strong future by investing in those who will propel Nova Scotia forward.
