Paid internships for Durham College students took an important step forward on November 12. On that day, representatives from the college and Celestica Inc., a computer parts manufacturer in Don Mills, Ontario, signed a formal internship agreement.
The agreement outlines each party's responsibilities and commitments, such as the ethical and legal handling of student information. The document formalizes the verbal agreement under which the two partners have been operating.
"Celestica's willingness to sign emphasizes Durham's ability to provide high-calibre student interns now and in the future," says Mary Noble, Durham's internship co-ordinator. "The agreement also signifies the excellent working relationship that Durham and Celestica have enjoyed over the past five years."
Internships last four, 12 or 16 months, and they present an ideal opportunity for students to gain added work experience and apply the skills they learn in class. Not only do internships enable students to demonstrate their skills to employers, they also give students valuable contacts they can draw upon when they complete their diplomas and begin their careers.
Employers like Celestica gain too, Ms. Noble points out. "Internships help employers handle their workload and create a ready-made pool of candidates employers can consider when they need to recruit new staff."
The agreement with Celestica is Durham's second internship agreement. The first one was signed with General Motors in 1991.
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