In an effort to improve cooperative education (CE) programs, or those which formally integrate academic studies with work experience, in the New Brunswick Community College System (Canada), a study was conducted to explore the current status and structure of existing CE programs and determine approaches for future program development. This report presents findings from the first phase of the study which consisted of personal and telephone interviews conducted from June to July 1995 with personnel at provincial government agencies and community college systems. The first section describes the background to the study, while the second section provides an overview of CE in New Brunswick, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. This section also describes comparative student placement outcomes for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, indicating that in 1994-95 the provinces placed 115 and 377 students, respectively. The third section discusses the following perceived issues and obstacles for CE development in New Brunswick: (1) uncertainty in the mandate, direction, and profile of cooperative education within the system; (2) difficulty in finding work placements for students; and (3) declining financial resources for coordinators, students, and employers. The final section focuses on recommended courses of action, highlighting the need for information regarding outcomes of existing programs, issues and opportunities in the eyes of the partners, and the need to develop an administrative framework for future operation. Appendixes include a list of interviewees, a federal funding guide for applicants, a table of students in CE programs in Canada and by province in May 1995, and a definition of CE. Contains a seven-item list of suggested reading references. (TGI)