Students concerned about internship cuts

Some students at Memorial University are concerned that potential government cutbacks to internships may mean they will not be able to get the experience they need to land jobs or gain admission to graduate programs.

Provincial government officials have said they may not be able to put the same amount of money into student work terms and placements because of budget shortfalls. 

Memorial University student Adam Case has applied to do a master's degree in political science. He says an internship is the crux of that program, and with potential government cutbacks he has been worried he won't be able to land a spot.

"The government is my best shot at getting an internship," said Case. "If I don't have that, then I'm looking for a needle in a haystack when it comes to looking for an internship."

Education placements a concern

Michael Walsh, the provincial chair of the Canadian Federation of Students, said he's hearing similar concerns from many students, especially those studying education.

Walsh said the government has already suspended its rural internship program for teachers. 

"The program is designed to encourage students to get experience in a rural part of the province, to learn what it's like to be a teacher in those areas," said Walsh. "So there are a number of students who are concerned that they won't be able to have that experience now upon graduating."

Program no longer needed, says Shea

Joan Shea, the minister for advanced education and skills, said the rural internship program was cut because it is no longer needed.

"It has done its job," said Shea. "It has been highly successful, but at this time our numbers and our recruitment doesn't show we have to continue the program."

Shea added that the province may not be able to keep up the same level of spending for work terms and internships.

Students will not know the details until the provincial budget is revealed on Tuesday.