Alberta Practicum Student: Andy Ferguson

Andy Ferguson: Attention turned to the internship programs last week, as 's GO Public reported on the sudden death of a 22-year-old Alberta practicum student , Andy Ferguson, who crashed while driving home after being made to work long hours in November 2011, according to CBC. Still, Denomme was thrilled when the owners decided to hire her part-time after she completed her internship, compensating her slightly above minimum wage. That excitement quickly turned to dejection when she realized they expected her to put in overtime hours for free and Overtime demands and steep tuition costs are placing a burden on many of Canada's unpaid student interns, who have little recourse to fix their predicament in an educational system that gives employers and schools most of the power. Alisha Denomme eagerly embarked on a three-week academic, unpaid internship at a strategic branding company in Hamilton, Ont., while studying graphic design at Georgian College in Barrie, Ont. But the experience quickly soured as Denomme struggled to pay tuition, finance her internship and work the long hours. Unpaid internships exploit 'vulnerable generation' Read stories from the front lines of unpaid employment Youth unemployment: By the numbers (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.