INTERNSHIPS OFFERED ONLINE.

Byline: Daily News

VALENCIA - College of the Canyons has introduced a new online feature that allows employers to quickly fill internship opportunities and allows students to obtain valuable work experience in their chosen fields.

Offered through the college's Cooperative Work Experience Education program, the Internet-based service matches college students with a wide variety of paid and unpaid internships throughout the Los Angeles area.

``This is a truly valuable service we're offering to both employers and students,'' said program director Stan Wright. ``It allows employers to post internships in five minutes or less, and it allows students to jump- start their careers in a dramatic way.''

Thirty internships are available now through the program, which has more than 50 students already placed in internships. Opportunities reflect the diverse range of employers in the region, from advertising to computer information, from government to welding, and from radio/television broadcasting to film production.

Most of the internships are located at companies within the Santa Clarita Valley, while others are based in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles metropolitan area. The program allows students to earn college credit while simultaneously participating in the program, Wright said.

Students and employers alike can participate in the internship program by visiting the program Web site at www.coc.cc.ca.us/offices/cwee and following either the ``Internships'' or ``Employers'' links.

Students can view a list of available internships, choose one that interests them and apply for the position online. Similarly, employers can register and offer their internship opportunities online. The staff reviews all applications, helps students prepare their resumes and forwards qualified applicants to employers.

Students who participate in the program are required to work toward specific objectives agreed to by their respective employers. Employers are asked to collaborate with the interns, track their progress and evaluate their performance.

``We view this partnership as one that truly benefits both students and employers,'' Wright said. ``It's an opportunity for students to utilize the skills they've learned in the classrooms to move forward in their careers by making a worthwhile contribution in the workplace. And it's an opportunity for employers to make a significant contribution to an employee's education in a way that benefits them.''

For information, call the program office at [phone] or visit the Web site.