The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between MacEwan University and the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) builds on the success of their current collaborations and their shared commitment to Alberta’s future.
“MacEwan has had an ongoing relationship with the AMA for some time, and they are one of the top employers of our alumni,” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, MacEwan’s president and vice-chancellor. “Students from MacEwan’s School of Business have participated in placements with the AMA, working alongside its employees and gaining valuable experience. Many were hired after their placement was complete, proving how valuable the experience is for both the AMA and students.
“MacEwan prides itself on offering these types of workplace experiences as they prepare our students to leave our university job-ready. Time and time again, our graduates have proven themselves to be the kind of candidates employers are looking for,” says Dr. Trimbee. “Moving forward we anticipate an even greater level of cooperation between our two organizations.”
Commitments in the MOU will further enhance this relationship by creating formalized work-integrated learning opportunities at the AMA for MacEwan students. “Our goal is to include a work-integrated learning opportunity in every program offered by MacEwan,” said Dr. Trimbee. “This is a fundamental pillar of our Teaching Greatness strategic vision.”
In addition to work-integrated learning opportunities, the AMA and MacEwan will explore other ways to collaborate. This includes research or creative studies that benefit both organizations, innovations that will drive the Edmonton economy forward, and opportunities to do experiments that test how solutions work in real life situations. Areas of current focus include, but are not limited to, MacEwan’s academic expertise in insurance as well as travel and tourism.
“As a graduate of MacEwan myself, I am thrilled that we are moving forward together under the guidance of this MOU,” said Michelle Chimko, president and chief executive officer for the AMA. “The AMA has nearly a century-long legacy of serving Albertans and being a vital part of the community. As an organization invested in protecting the things that matter most, our one million members expect us to engage in agreements with institutions like MacEwan that empower the next generation of Albertans. I look forward to building on our successful partnership and seeing even more MacEwan grads start their careers with the AMA.”
This MOU is the latest in a series of agreements MacEwan has signed with prominent organizations in the greater Edmonton region, including the Oilers Entertainment Group, Edmonton Elks football team and the Edmonton International Airport.