Co-op Education

• Access to highly motivated and capable students from many disciplines to perform specific tasks/projects.
• Co-op students could potentially be future employees.
• Reduced recruitment and hiring costs. 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)
• Receive support from the COTR Co-op and Employment Services Office during the hiring process.
• Employers can select from a group of students who already have met the academic requirements.
• Employers can meet short-term needs.
• Permanent employees at the hiring organization may have the opportunity for gaining co-op student supervision skills, mentoring a co-op student.
• Co-op students bring enthusiasm and a host of new ideas and approaches which can have a positive effect in the workplace.
• Employer’s feedback influences the educational process, their suggestions help to improve the pre-employment training received by students.
• Ongoing support/consultation from College Faculty Placement Supervisor.

• Co-op work experiences must focus on learning, be meaningful and show continued career progression.
• The co-op student is legally treated like any other seasonal, temporary, or paid employee under the Canadian Employment Standards Act.
• Employers must provide a safe workplace for the co-op student.
• The co-op student should follow the expected guidelines as indicated in an employee guide and training.
• Employers need to provide orientation (including safety and equipment orientation) during the start of the co-op work term.
• Employers must assign a supervisor to mentor and provide support to the co-op student, including formal evaluations and feedback.
• Employers are expected to assist the co-op student to achieve their individual co-op learning goals and objectives.
• Employers must cooperate with the institution during the co-op work term, including being available for site visits and regular communication.
• Employers are expected to participate in scheduled evaluations of the co-op student. A structured evaluation report format document will be provided.
• The employer shall be responsible for maintaining 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

• Enhances a well-rounded education
• Gains relevant employment skills & 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
• Provides financial remuneration to help with educational costs

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) (receive 1 credit)
• Secures co-op employment opportunity (with support of Co-op & Employment Services Office)
• Registers and pays tuition for (COOP 150 – Co-op Work Term)
• Completes 500 paid employment 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, 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

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.

Requirements

1. You must be a domestic student in good academic standing (Due to Visa restrictions, co-op is not currently open to international students unless co-op is built in to the structure of the program.
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 14 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)

To Apply

1. Meet the above requirements
2. Complete the online Co-op Option Student Request Form

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.

You have two options:

Student seeks you out

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

• Student – Seeking out co-op employment opportunity
• Employer/student determines if opportunity exists
• Employer – interviews the student to ensure they are a good fit
• Employer –offers a co-op Employment opportunity and student accepts the position. A copy of offer must be sent to Co-op and Employment Services Office to ensure the position meets the needs of a Co-op placement.
• Employer, Co-op Faculty Supervisor, and student connect to complete pre-employment package and to discuss co-op evaluation, and site visit activities.

Co-op Employer Info Request Form

Employer searches for a co-op student

Connect with 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 Placement Posting
• Employer posts position on online Co-op Board
• Students apply for 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. A copy of the offer must be sent to Co-op and Employment Services Office to review to ensure the position meets the needs of a co-op placement.
• Employer, Co-op Faculty Placement Supervisor, and student connect to complete pre-employment package, and to discuss co-op evaluations, and site visit activities.
• Student completes co-op work term with the support of College Faculty Co-op supervisor and Employer Supervisor.

Co-op Employer Info Request Form