Preferred Employer Program

Overview of the Program

Academy Canada is proud to introduce selected organizations/businesses to its "Preferred Employer Program". Introduced in 2002, this initiative was designed to acknowledge and reward organizations/businesses that demonstrate an on-going commitment as work term hosts or employers of our graduates. It also has the goal of recognizing outstanding students for their exceptional academic performance and dedication to career success. By formalizing the Employer-College partnership it is hoped that a long-term relationship can be built between both parties that will prove mutually beneficial and rewarding.

Benefits to the Preferred Employer

The Preferred Employer Program offers several significant benefits to employers, including:

• Access to graduates and work term students from more than 23 academic programs ranging from Aesthetics to Welding and Office Administration to Criminology. A full list of programs is available to all employers.
• Written notification of graduating and work term students as they become available.
• Pre-screening of work term candidates and graduates. Resumes for the strongest graduates will be forwarded to preferred employers.
• Academy Canada's work term does not require that students be paid while on work term. This provides an outstanding opportunity to introduce highly educated individuals to the organization/business. The work term arrangement can provide support to the full time staff, provide vacation relief support and added personnel to work on special projects.
• Opportunity to utilize student volunteers prior to their work term as part of the College's Applied Learning program. This may include having a volunteer work for you 1-5 mornings or afternoons per week at no cost.
• Employer gets an opportunity to "try out" a potential employee without commitment or financial obligation.
• Work term students are covered under Academy Canada's liability insurance policy while on work term.
• Recognition in Academy Canada's internal and external media.
• Opportunity to assist in the professional development of emerging professionals.
• Ability to influence program curriculum by participating on College Advisory Groups, if desired.

Benefits to the College and Student

This program benefits the College and students in several ways, including:

• The College and student will gain program input from highly respected industry employers.
• Students will obtain much-needed experience in their field and have an opportunity to impress potential long-term employers.
• Strong students are rewarded for their success by being given priority with Preferred Employers.
• Access to credible, highly professional employers. This ensures that our graduates begin their careers with positive experiences.

Expectations of the Employer

It is expected that the Preferred Employer will:

• Where possible and practical, give preference to graduates/work term students from Academy Canada.
• Make Academy Canada aware of relevant work term opportunities or positions as they become available.
• Provide a supportive learning environment for work term students in which ongoing feedback is provided to the student and College.
• Work with the College and student to set learning objectives for any work term placement.
• Notify the Employment Coordinator if problems arise with work term students or graduates. This will allow Academy Canada to support Preferred Employers in resolving issues.
• Notify Academy Canada, in writing, of the Employers intention to withdraw from the Preferred Employer Program.
• Allow Academy Canada to use the organization/businesses logo and name in internal and external marketing that promotes the College or its Preferred Employed Program (note: all marketing involving the Preferred Employer will be forwarded to the Preferred Employer for review and approval).

Expectations of the College and Student

Academy Canada will be expected to:

• Train quality professionals in a variety of career fields.
• Provide Preferred Employers with the best candidates for available positions.
• Remain in regular contact with Preferred Employers and notify them of upcoming opportunities, including work term students, and graduates.
• Help the Preferred Employer resolve any problems or issues that may arise.
• Promote the Preferred Employer Program and its Preferred Employers in a manner that is mutually beneficial and rewarding.
• Seek input and feedback on current and future curriculum planning from the Preferred Employer in an effort to remain focused on the needs of the employer.

Students/graduates will be expected to:

• Conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.
• Remain in regular contact with the College and their supervisor(s) to discuss issues surrounding their involvement in the Preferred Employer Program.
• Meet any obligations (duration of work term, hours of work, etc) that exist as part of their involvement with the employer.
• Maintain and project a positive attitude towards the Preferred Employer and the College at all times.
• Treat supervisors, colleagues and clients with respect and act as a constructive member of the employers/hosts team.
• Maintain a strong work record with minimal absenteeism and positive performance feedbacks.
• Complete all duties within the required timeframe.