March 26, 2002
INFORMATION: Sue Bozman or John McElwain, (661) 362-3415 or 3494

New Web Site Brings Employers and College Interns Together

SANTA CLARITA ­ College of the Canyons has introduced a new online feature that allows employers to quickly fill internship opportunities and students to obtain valuable work experience in their chosen fields.

Offered through the college’s Cooperative Work Experience Education (CWEE) program, the Internet-based service matches college students with a wide variety of paid and unpaid internships throughout the Los Angeles area.

“This is a truly valuable service we’re offering to both employers and students,” CWEE Director Stan Wright said. “It allows employers to post internships in 5 minutes or less, and it allows students to jumpstart their careers in a dramatic way.”

Thirty internships are available now through the CWEE program, which has more than 50 students already placed in internships. Opportunities reflect the diverse range of employers in the region, from advertising to computer information, from government to welding, and from radio/television broadcasting to film production.

Most of the internships are located at companies within the Santa Clarita Valley, while others are based in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles metropolitan area.

The program also allows students to earn college credit while simultaneously participating in the program, Wright said.

Students and employers alike can participate in the internship program by visiting the CWEE web site (on the Internet at http://www.coc.cc.ca.us/offices/cwee) and following either the “Internships” or “Employers” links.

Students can view a list of available internships, choose one that interests them and apply for the position online. Similarly, employers can register and offer their internship opportunities online. The CWEE staff reviews all applications, helps students prepare their resumes and forwards qualified applicants to employers.

Students who participate in the program are required to work toward specific objectives agreed to by their respective employers. Employers are asked to collaborate with the interns, track their progress and evaluate their performance.

“We view this partnership as one that truly benefits both students and employers,” Wright said. “It’s an opportunity for students to utilize the skills they’ve learned in the classroom to move forward in their careers by making a worthwhile contribution in the workplace. And it’s an opportunity for employers to make a significant contribution to an employee’s education in a way that benefits them.”

For more information call the CWEE office at (661) 362-3309 or visit the program’s web site at http://www.coc.cc.ca.us/offices/cwee