Businesses reap benefits from educational partnerships
TRURO – There are many rewards for local businesses willing to host students, says Robert Langille, head of the Cobequid Educational Centre’s Career Exploration Program (CEP).
Langille is aiming to introduce the local business community to the benefits of the CEP workplace-education partnership on Thursday, Sept. 10 during a free lunch and learn event sponsored by the program’s student- run café, and co-ordinated by the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce.
“My program is probably the most hands-on program in the province,” says the department head.
“These kids are getting a real-world lesson on what it’s like to own a business and be a professional.”
During the senior high program students learn a variety of skills ideal for placements in commercial cooking, property maintenance and retail businesses.
Langille says one of the greatest benefits to businesses hosting students as part of the CEP program is connecting employers to potential employees.
“They just need someone to believe in them and push them to be the best they can be,” said Langille.
The CEP program is one of three community-based learning programs offered within the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board at its three Colchester County high schools. Participants at the lunch and learn will also gain insight into the Options and Opportunities program.
The event will be held at noon at the CEP Café inside the Cobequid Education Centre, 34 Lorne St., giving business people an opportunity to learn more about these valuable education programs.
“It’s a win-win situation,” said chamber president Andrew Lake. “ Students get exposed to the demands of different jobs prior to pursuing a career and/or post-secondary education.
“Employers get introduced to a pool of potential employees where the student skills and work ethic can be assessed on a trial basis, with the potential to develop into a future employee.”
The chamber hopes the event will bring exposure to the merits of the program in an effort to foster a partnership between the business community and local schools. There is no cost to participate, however, people are asked to register by calling the chamber office at 902-895-6328 or emailing the events co-ordinator at [email protected]