SAINT JOHN – For decades, New Brunswick Community College learners at the Saint John Campus have gained on-the-job experience with co-op placements at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station. Since 2001, Lori Cameron has played an integral role in connecting students and employer.
“I started off as an administrative assistant to the Co-op Coordinators 18 years ago, and as they retired, I took over the role,” said Cameron. “I work with NB Power to coordinate job postings and interviews.”
Each work term, NB Power hires up to 20 NBCC learners from various programs – including Power Engineering Technology, Industrial Control Technology, Chemical Technology, Mechanical Technician and Electrical Engineering Technology – to spend four months working at Point Lepreau. These work placements benefit both students and employer.
“It’s really a win-win situation. The students have the opportunity to get hands-on learning and they’re getting paid, and NB Power has the opportunity to do a four-month interview for potential employees,” said Cameron.
Work-integrated learning experiences are a key component of the NBCC Advantage, giving NBCC graduates a competitive edge in the workplace as employers seek skilled and experienced workers. Co-op placements give students an opportunity to put their knowledge into practice before they graduate.
For Cameron, coordinating co-op placements is a labour of love.
“I feel very privileged to have this position, where I can get involved with students and employers and help them both meet their needs,” she said. “We’ve built a very strong relationship with NB Power and both partners benefit from it.”
NBCC plays an important role in Point Lepreau’s Power Engineering program, said Bruce McCumber, Operations Field Supervisor with PLNGS Operations Management.
“Lori ensures students get the most out of their co-op work terms and sees the potential for success in every student,” he said. “We have developed a great partnership over the years.”
In addition to PLNGS, co-op students from NBCC are placed at other NB Power generating facilities throughout the province such as Mactaquac, Belledune and Coleson Cove.
With flexible educational programming that is responsive to the social and economic needs of the Province, New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) is a provincially-recognized public post-secondary institution reputed for producing skilled, knowledgeable graduates who are contributing to the Province’s prosperity. In addition to one- and two-year certificate and diploma programs, NBCC provides specialized and customized training to meet the needs of specific sectors and communities, and delivers apprenticeship training to more than 1,800 learners annually. Find out more by visiting www.nbcc.ca
