Introduction

Most NSCC programs incorporate a work-integrated learning component, allowing students to blend classroom teachings with practical job experiences, fostering valuable work skills.
Faculty members play a pivotal role in work-integrated learning by serving as a vital connection between employers and students. Your guidance is instrumental in facilitating appropriate work experiences and contributing to the success of our students.

Through these work experience opportunities, employers also tap into the fresh perspectives’ students bring, potentially identifying prospective future employees as part of their long-term recruitment strategy. The advantages extend to both students and employers, while concurrently enhancing the retention of Nova Scotia’s talent pool through improved post-graduation employment prospects.

At NSCC, we have nine expansive work experience categories tailored to prepare students for their future careers in their chosen professional or occupational fields:

Field Experience

Students engage in a diverse array of work-related experiences, which may be either paid or unpaid. These field experiences are closely linked to specific courses and are mandatory for graduation. The frequency, duration and timing of a field experience may differ depending on the NSCC program. All Work-integrated Learning courses are scheduled for a specific semester. The most typical field experience spans approximately 175 hours, lasting for about 5 weeks, (typically 35 hours per week), and takes place during the third semester (April-May).

Co-operative Education (co-op)

Enabling a student to “earn while you learn,” students enrolled in either a mandatory or eligible co-op course as part of their program have a unique opportunity to acquire invaluable experiences as they advance towards your second year of studies.  Co-op courses are strategically scheduled between your first and second year, enabling them to apply their skills from first year, gain additional experience and skills and advance their skill development in second year. Co-op work-terms offer paid full-time (35-40 hours) employment, lasting 12-16 weeks, (420-640 hours) depending on the program. This immersive work experience enriches your educational journey and equips the student with practical skills and industry insights.

Internships

Exclusively offered through our Ocean Technology program, the internship component is both mandatory and highly valuable. These paid internships take place during the final semester and typically span 14 to 16 weeks of full-time employment. They provide students with meaningful, hands-on experience in real-world settings, allowing them to apply their skills, build confidence, and prepare for success in their chosen careers.

Professional Practice

Unpaid work placements are mandatory for obtaining a professional license or designation in various fields, including clinical placement, practicums, preceptorships and more. These hands-on experiences provide students with practical training and the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Such placements are essential for developing the necessary skills and competence required for a successful career in their chosen professions.

Sea Time

Allows students to apply the knowledge and skills essential for working aboard a vessel. These opportunities may be paid or unpaid, with varying durations and terms depending on the program, encompassing fall, winter, spring, or summer. Several marine programs at NSCC have sea time requirements, governed by guidelines established by Transport Canada. Sea time can be fulfilled by gaining experience on both Canadian and international merchant ships.

Career Exploration

Provide students with the opportunity to explore careers through activities such as job shadowing and informational interviews. These experiences offer valuable insights into your industry and help students build workplace literacy in a field related to their studies.

Industry Project

Partner with students to work on real-world projects that apply their academic knowledge, allowing them to contribute meaningful solutions while gaining practical experience in your organization.

Service Learning

Collaborate with students on projects that create a positive impact in the community while reinforcing their classroom learning through real-world application

Entrepreneurship

Support students as they explore opportunities to develop and operate their own business ventures, applying entrepreneurial skills as part of their academic coursework.