'Earn while you learn:' Co-op programs gain appeal amid rising cost of living

Canada is a leader in co-operative education, a learning model that alternates between academic and paid work terms.

"They kind of scared us a bit and told us that getting a degree doesn't mean you'll automatically get a good job," said Wallace, originally from Ottawa and now a student at Dalhousie University in Halifax.

"I decided to apply for a co-op program so I could graduate with some work experience and be able to compete for better jobs."

Canada is a leader in co-operative education, a learning model that alternates between academic and paid work terms.