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Integrated Learning in Simcoe County 

Three yellow rounds

Did you know that Simcoe County is home to Georgian College, Ontario’s leading co-op college, and Lakehead University?

Georgian College partners with 6,200 employers to offer 5,000 students 9 different types of integrated learning experiences that include:

  •  co-operative education
  • internships
  • field placements
  •  applied research projects

Georgian has one of the highest graduate employment rates among Ontario colleges. 85.8 per cent of their alumni found work within six months of graduation, well above the provincial average – which they have exceeded for over 20 years. They are so confident in their graduates that they offer an employer guarantee!

For employers, Georgian College’s co-op Employer Relations team offers free, one-stop, year-round job posting service that promotes your organization to students and graduates seeking co-op, internship, full-time, casual, part-time and summer positions. They can also help you navigate funding supports and programs including the refundable Co-operative Education Tax Credit that offers up to $3,000 per placement.

At Lakehead University, learning happens both inside and outside the classroom to help students develop the critical, real-world skills that employers value. In addition to co-op placements and internships, Lakehead students participate in community service learning, undergraduate research internships, and practicums and field placements within our communities – and across the province, country, and globe!

97.7 per cent of Lakehead graduates are employed within two years of graduation which is above the provincial average of 95.6 per cent.

Lakehead’s Co-operative education program offers a year-round hiring process that allows employers to engage with highly qualified and skilled candidates in a more efficient and time-sensitive manner. The program also offers a variety of services, including on-campus employer events and career fairs, to employers who are interested in recruiting Lakehead students and alumni.

Employers across Simcoe County have realized the benefits of being involved in co-op programs including Justin Moreau, President of Kumi Canada Corporation (KCC).

KCC started using Co-op Students and interns more over the last two years. We are having great experiences with the students. They are able to teach us many things that can help us improve our operations. Our goal when bringing students and new graduates into KCC is to allow them to help shape us as we grow and improve our business. Their knowledge, education and fresh perspectives compliment our experience, expertise and know how to keep developing our team.

To learn more about Kumi, please visit their website.

To find out about resources and supports provided by the County of Simcoe’s Economic Development Office, and upcoming training and networking events, visit our website at https://edo.simcoe.ca