NSCC and RBC grow support for rural students with work experience program

Oct. 26, 2022 – Media Release

Kentville, NS – NSCC has received a gift of $200,000 over two years from RBC Foundation’s Future Launch initiative for the continued support of the RBC Student Works Program. The funding will support work placements in trades and technologies and expand availability to eight NSCC campuses across the province.

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with RBC Foundation to assist rural students across the province,” says Michelle Bussey, Executive Director of NSCC Foundation and Alumni Relations. “Giving them the opportunity to earn while they learn with access to professional supports will guide their success both in the classroom and after graduation.”

Through the Student Works Program, over 50 students will receive relevant, paid, hands-on work experience while studying — helping close the work experience gap many can face after graduation. In addition to their work placements, students can also access NSCC’s Job Readiness Fund. This provides funding for students and recent grads to overcome any financial barriers that may impede their successful transition to the workforce — such as completing required professional development and purchasing specialized equipment.

“When experience is so important to getting a job – but so hard to gain - young people can be left feeling uncertain about their futures,” says Chad Langille, Regional Vice President for Central and Western Nova Scotia, RBC. “We hope that through our continued partnership with NSCC, RBC Future Launch will help young people get those all-important first jobs after studying, and break the ‘no experience, no job’ cycle.”

The Student Works Program was piloted at NSCC Strait Area Campus in 2018 with an initial investment of $100,000 from RBC Foundation. With this most recent support, the program will expand to also include students at NSCC’s Burridge, Annapolis Valley, Truro, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Kingstec and Pictou Campuses as well as the Amherst Learning Centre.

The program will run for two years beginning in fall 2022. Interested students can inquire about opportunities through NSCC Career Services or at their campus.

Quick facts:

A minimum of 70% of all work placements will be in skilled trades and technologies.
A minimum of 50% of all work placements will be designated for equity-deserving students (BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+, women in non-traditional sectors, Indigenous Peoples, newcomers, racialized communities and persons with disabilities).
RBC Future Launch is a 10-year, $500 million commitment to empower Canadian youth ages 15-29 for the jobs of tomorrow. With a focus on networking, skills development, practical work experience and mental well-being supports and services, the initiative aims to help break down the barriers facing young people.

About NSCC

NSCC is committed to building Nova Scotia's economy and quality of life through education and innovation, transforming Nova Scotia one learner at a time. NSCC offers more than 140 career-oriented programs throughout the province at our 14 campuses, including our online eCampus. Programs are offered through five academic schools – Access, Education and Language; Business and Creative Industries; Health and Human Services; Technology and Environment; Trades and Transportation – and reflect the labour market needs and opportunities in Nova Scotia. NSCC's primary goal: student success. An annual survey of College graduates shows that 83% are employed one year after graduation, most in their field of study, with 94% of those employed living and working in Nova Scotia.

About RBC

Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Their success comes from the 88,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so they can help their clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, RBC has a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to their 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.‎

RBC is proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact/.

For more information:

Kathleen Cameron, Manager of External Relations, NSCC
902-499-7844,

Krissy Arbuckle, Regional Manager Corporate Citizenship, RBC
902-233-6353,