Missing the skills and experience you need to get the job you want? Volunteer, work internships and co-operative education programs can give you valuable work experience.

Volunteering

Volunteering offers many benefits and rewarding opportunities to make a difference in your community. Volunteering can:

• Provide you with direct experience in your field.
• Help develop your knowledge and skills.
• Introduce you to a network of contacts.

To learn more, visit Volunteer BC. Also check Go Volunteer to search for volunteer positions near you. It’s an online database of opportunities in a wide range of industries and jobs.

Internships

Internships are another way to bridge the gap to employment. They are great because many of them offer some form of payment or compensation. Go to the B.C. Government Employment website for a list of provincial programs and ministries that offer internships.

Co-operative Education

Are you a student looking to gain hands-on experience? Co-op education can give you just that.

Co-op programs give you experience in your field of study. Use the following websites to find information on co-op education opportunities in B.C. and see what’s available in your area!

• The Association for Co-operative Education – details which post-secondary institutions offer co-operative education programs.
• Education Planner – search available co-op/work experience programs.
• The Canadian Co-op Program Directory – search co-op education opportunities by region.