Student bridging at MARPAC helps rejuvenate the Federal Public Service

Former co-op student Katelyn Moores (centre) poses with current co-op students (from left to right) Sonya Chwyl, Lindsey Hardcastle, Cameron Carswell and Amanda Lichon, to celebrate Moores recent acceptance of a full-time position with Maritime Forces Pacific Public Affairs.

Amanda Lichon and Valerie Froud, MARPAC PA Office ~

Facing an aging workforce expected to retire in the next decade, Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) is actively scouting new talent for Public Service positions.

Students who have completed cooperative work terms at CFB Esquimalt are the ideal candidates, having gained some corporate knowledge and experience during their employment.

“Student bridging is another hiring option available to federal government managers to help rejuvenate the workforce with the brightest and most talented individuals,” explains Helen Bates, Acting Human Resource Programs and Planning Manager.

This hiring strategy aligns with the organization’s succession planning.

“Students have showcased their abilities and already have knowledge about working within the Federal Government,” says Bates. “It makes sense to access this pool of potential employees and hire them.”

MARPAC has a very prolific co-op employment program. Between 2013 and 2015, 109 co-op students worked at MARPAC, with several successfully bridged into full time employment.

Ashley Milburn, who completed her co-op January to April term in 2009, was hired five months later – one of the first at MARPAC to be hired under student bridging program. She is now the Manager of International Engagement at MARPAC.

“As a new graduate, the student bridging program provided an excellent avenue for me to be able to translate my education and work experience into meaningful employment,” said Milburn.

Meghan Lawlor recently completed two consecutive co-op work terms at MARPAC with the Civilian Human Resource Service Centre (Pacific) (CHRSC (P)).

“The Co-op Program at the University of Victoria gives students the skills and abilities to venture out into the workforce,” says Lawlor.
After defending her thesis, she was bridged as a full-time Human Resource Advisor at CHRSC(P) in January 2016.

The most recent student bridging success is Katelyn Moores, who completed three consecutive co-op work terms with MARPAC Public Affairs Office.

After demonstrating an ability to understand communication strategies and produce solid communication products, Moores was offered, and accepted, full time employment in April 2016.