Local businesses benefit from Dalhousie University’s top Industrial Engineering undergrads
News release
Government of Canada provides nearly $500,000 to help local businesses increase productivity
September 18, 2018 – Halifax, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Promoting advanced manufacturing initiatives helps small and medium-sized enterprises capitalize on opportunities to modernize and improve their competitive edge in global markets to build a more robust Atlantic Canadian economy. Supporting undergrad co-op work term placements is an effective mean to accelerate awareness and adoption of advanced manufacturing practices.
The Government of Canada is investing $498,099 to enable Dalhousie Industrial Engineering students to work with local small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and high growth firms to develop, reach and improve productivity goals. This project will involve 16-20 Nova Scotia firms and up to 48 co-op positions over the next two years.
The funding was announced today by MP Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Halifax, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
ACOA is providing this non-repayable assistance through the Business Development Program, which supports small and medium-sized companies’ efforts to embrace advanced manufacturing as a key to future growth and competitiveness. Today’s announcement builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to enhance the region’s capacity to develop, deploy and retain a skilled workforce through the Atlantic Growth Strategy.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada knows that innovation in the workplace is essential to create economic growth. Co-op students and interns can make important contributions to help SMEs and high-growth firms reach, and exceed, their potential, as they gain the work experience that companies are looking for to build on their global competitiveness. This industry – university collaboration will help local businesses get the skilled workforce they need to take advantage of international opportunities.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Dalhousie University offers the only full five-year Bachelor of Industrial Engineering degree program in Nova Scotia. Co-operative programs such as these are mutually beneficial to our students and local businesses as they provide significant employment experience and help move the yardsticks on productivity goals.”
- MP Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Halifax
“Co-op education provides a fantastic learning experience for all of our students, including those in our Industrial Engineering program. This ACOA funding initiative will mean greater opportunities for Dalhousie Industrial Engineering students to gain real-world experience in their field, while exploring attractive employment options here in Nova Scotia.”
- Doug Gallant, Director, Dalhousie SITE Co-op
Quick facts
-
In the 2018/19 academic year, 125 Dalhousie Industrial Engineering students will be available for 4-month work terms, representing the program’s largest cohort to date.
-
Approximately one in three Dalhousie Industrial Engineering co-op students leave the province each year to find work term employment.
-
Industrial Engineering students are educated in inventory management, production methodologies, continuous improvement, process mapping and design, facility layout, quality and statistical analysis.
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
Allison Auld
Communications Officer
Dalhousie University
Science, Information Technology, Engineering Co-operative Education
Phone: 902-494-4195
Email: Allison.auld@dal.ca