BU Co-op Program bucks youth unemployment trend with another landmark year

Brandon University’s Co-operative Education Program is celebrating the largest cohort in program history, another year of exceptional student employment outcomes, and the launch of a new fund designed to help even more students access meaningful work-integrated learning experiences.

More than 60 students, alumni, employers, mentors, and community leaders gathered Tuesday evening for the BU Co-op Impact Event, which highlighted the program’s continued growth and success.

This year, 57 students participated in BU Co-op, the largest cohort since the program’s start and more than a third larger than last year. Nearly all (95 per cent) have already secured a work term placement for the summer term.

The achievement of such high placement is a striking bright note against the backdrop of a gloomy outlook for youth unemployment across Canada.

“Students are facing a difficult labour market, but our students continue to demonstrate that they are ready to contribute, adapt, and succeed,” said BU Co-op Director Cora Dupuis. “The strength of these results reflects the talent and determination of BU students, paired with the incredible support of employers who are ready to invest in the next generation.”

The 2026 cohort includes 37 students who are participating in BU Co-op for the first time and 20 students who are returning for their second or even third work term. Students have found placements with a huge range of employers, including private, public, and non-profit organizations, in sectors like research, health-care, technology, and finance. While many are located in Brandon, others have found work throughout Manitoba, and even beyond.

Dupuis said the value of BU Co-op extends far beyond helping students secure employment.

“Work terms help students build confidence, develop professional skills, and make connections that can shape the course of their careers,” she said. “They return to the classroom with a deeper understanding of their field, stronger problem-solving abilities, and a clearer sense of their goals. These experiences help educate engaged, capable citizens who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities.”

At the event, three students and recent graduates shared how BU Co-op shaped their educational and professional journeys.

Marc Chartrand, a second-year Computer Science student from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, recently secured a BU Co-op position as a Junior Programmer with Brandon-based ag-tech startup Branvalt. He spoke about the opportunities the program creates for students from diverse backgrounds.

“As a mature student, a parent, and someone starting a new career path, BU Co-op helped me see that there was a place for me in this industry,” Chartrand said. “It gave me the chance to connect what I’m learning in the classroom with real work, and showed me that meaningful opportunities are possible when employers are willing to invest in students.”

Recent graduate Kendal Giesbrecht, who completed three Co-op work terms including placements with Pfizer and a research opportunity in Germany, credited the program with helping launch her career.

“Co-op was one of the best decisions I made during university,” said Giesbrecht. She was one of 30 BU grads who crossed the stage this spring having completed at least one Co-op work experience during their studies, and was the Faculty of Science valedictorian.

“The experience helped me build technical skills, professional confidence, and relationships that opened doors,” she said. “Knowing I had a full-time position waiting for me after graduation was only possible because of the opportunities and connections I gained through Co-op.”

Lukas de Vries, who completed Co-op placements with Huddle Brandon, Prairie Mountain Health, and Brandon University, said the program’s greatest impact was the network of people who helped him grow.

“The relationships I built through Co-op made opportunities possible that I never could have achieved alone,” said de Vries, who will be pursuing a Master’s degree in the fall. “Those experiences helped prepare me for graduate studies and showed me that learning happens in communities, workplaces, and conversations just as much as it does in classrooms.”

Now, de Vries is among those who are paying it forward. Brandon University has recently launched the BU Co-op Opportunities Fund, established through the BU Foundation, with de Vries stepping up to be one of the first contributors.

“The only reason I was able to originally join the program was because many others here in the community supported our year’s cohort,” he said. “I feel like in some way I owe that back. It’s tough being a student starting out when the world is expensive, but I’ve made a conscious choice to return a small portion back into the program that made it possible for me.”

The fund will help reduce financial barriers to participation, support student mobility and relocation costs, and create meaningful work-integrated learning opportunities both on campus and in the broader community. The fund is already helping support the employment of a BU Co-op student this summer in the University’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs.

“Many students face financial challenges when pursuing career-building opportunities,” Dupuis said. “The BU Co-op Opportunities Fund will help ensure that talented students can access transformative experiences regardless of their circumstances. Every donation is an investment in student success, workforce development, and the future of our communities.”

Alongside the celebration of BU Co-op success and future investment, the event was also a chance to thank the employers, organizations, and mentors who continue to support BU Co-op students.

“Our success is only possible because employers open their doors and welcome students into their workplaces,” she said. “Many of our partners go above and beyond by mentoring students, sharing their expertise, and helping them build confidence. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and for the role they play in preparing future professionals.”

Organizations interested in hosting a Co-op student are encouraged to connect with the BU Co-op office to learn more about the benefits of work-integrated learning and the supports available to employers.

“Whether you’re a business, non-profit, government department, or community organization, there has never been a better time to explore what Co-op can do for your team,” Dupuis said. “Our students bring fresh perspectives, energy, and talent, and we’re always excited to build new partnerships.”

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