Co-op Education

• Access to motivated and capable students from many disciplines.
• Co-op students could potentially be future employees.
• Our Co-op students help meet to meet short-term needs, including peak times, vacation schedules, training commitments and/or special projects.
• Wage subsidies may be available to cover a portion of the employee’s wage and/or training costs: Where to get funding | ACE-WIL | Association for Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning BC/Yukon (acewilbc.ca)
• Ongoing support/consultation from College Faculty Placement Supervisor.

• Provide a Co-op work term that is meaningful and provides progressive learning.
• Treat the student like any other seasonal, temporary, or paid employee under the Canadian Employment Standards Act (ESA).
• Provide a safe workplace for the Co-op student as required through ESA.
• Provide an onboarding and training program so that the student understands the expectations of the position and the organization.
• Assign a supervisor to mentor and provide support to the Co-op student, including formal evaluations and feedback.
• Assist the Co-op student to achieve their individual Co-op learning goals and objectives throughout the Co-op work term, including being available for site visits and regular communication Cooperate with the institution during.
• Maintain comprehensive general liability insurance with respect to the liability of the company and of the student worker under the Co-op work experience.

Co-op Education Employer Handbook

Download a pdf version of the Co-op Education Employer Handbook

The Co-op and Employment Services Office is the link between the employer and student. The Co-op and Employment Services Office:

• Develops a working relationship between the employer, student, and institution.
• Prepares students and employers for the Co-op work term.
• Provides guidance to employers and students throughout the hiring process.
• Monitors student placements to ensure all parties’ needs are being met.
• Works with the employer and student to resolve any challenges should they arise.
• Treats students and employers equitably through the placement process.
• Contact us today! Email wil@cotr.bc.ca

We love hearing from employers all year! Connect with Co-op & Employment Services at College of the Rockies to further discuss how a Co-op student can benefit your organization.

Typical pathways to hiring a student:

• Student seeks out Co-op employment opportunity
• Employer/student determines if an opportunity exists
• Employer emails a copy of the job description to the Co-op and Employment Services Office to ensure the position meets the needs of a Co-op work-term.
• Employer interviews the student to ensure they are a good fit
• Employer offers a Co-op Employment opportunity and student accepts the position.
• Employer, College Co-op Supervisor, and student connect to complete pre-employment package, and discuss Co-op evaluations and site visit.

Prospective Co-op Employer – Information

Employer searches for a Co-op student

Connect with the Co-op & Employment Services Office at College of the Rockies to discuss next steps. These generally include:

• Employer works with the College to create a Co-op work term position posting
• Employer posts position on the College’s online job board – the Experience Portal
• Students apply for the Co-op opportunity
• Employer interviews the student to ensure they are a good fit
• Employer – offers a Co-op Employment opportunity and the student accepts position.
• Employer, College Co-op Supervisor, and student connect to complete pre-employment package, and discuss Co-op evaluations and site visit.

Prospective Co-op Employer – Information

• Enhances a well-rounded education
• Gain relevant employment skills and realistic expectations of the work force
• Broadens understanding of career options
• Increases maturity and self-esteem
• Provides documented practical experience
• Increases job search skills & networking opportunities

A Co-op student must take ownership of their own learning during Co-op term. Co-op is an opportunity to grow and learn from industry professionals.

• Completes a pre-employment training program (COOP-100)
• Secures a Co-op work-term(with support of Co-op & Employment Services Office)
• Registers and pays tuition for (COOP-150 – Co-op Work Term)
• Completes a minimum of 420 paid employment/Co-op hours
• Complies to all the conditions and rules that apply to employees in the organization
• Exercises ethical workplace conduct
• Sets goals for learning
• Works on enhancing their academic, professional, and personal skills
• Maintains employer confidentiality
• Accepts feedback and suggestions for improvement in a positive manner
• Participates in work-site visits
• Works in a professional manner  
• Advises employer and their coordinator of any concerns or problems with their work assignment or environment as soon as an issue arises
• Keeps in contact with their Co-op and Employment Services Office

Co-op Education Student Handbook

Download a pdf version of the Co-op Education Student Handbook

Requirements

1. You must be a student in good academic standing.
2. You must have completed or be completing 24 credits/year-1 of a two-year diploma, or four-year degree program by end of the winter semester enrolled in one of the Co-op option approved programs.
3. You must successfully complete the COOP-100 Preparatory course prior to securing a Co-op work term position.
4. You must be available May through August for the Co-op Work Term (COOP-150).
5. You must be returning to full-time studies after completing the Co-op work term.

To Apply

1. Meet the above requirements
2. Complete the online Co-op Option Application

Enrolment

Once your Co-op Option Student Request Form has been received, you will receive an email from the Co-op and Employment Services Office confirming your eligibility along with an Admission Form to take to Registration to register for COOP-100. Your email will include additional information.

Note: These courses do not replace any other program requirements.