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Co-operative Education (Co-op) and Work Placement Services

Co-operative Education (Co-op) and Work Placement Services

Co-operative Education (Co-op)

Co-operative Education is a partnership involving students, employers and the college which enables students to integrate post-secondary academic studies with practical experience in their chosen field. Co-op students alternate between periods of full-time study with periods of full-time, paid, productive employment, usually between May-August, in business, industry, government, and the professions.

Through pre-employment preparation workshops and employment training, students learn how to become more competitive with employment opportunities found on their own and through the Co-op office. Upon graduating, students will be ready to assume productive careers in a dynamic and demanding work market.

Work Placement

Work Placements provide an excellent opportunity for students to bridge academic skills and theory to continuous learning in the workplace. Placements consist of scheduled hours of Work Integrated Learning with an employer in the workplace and is intended to give students hands-on experience directly related to their field of study.

Work Placements are generally scheduled during the final semester of a post-secondary program that offers Work Placement. Successful completion of the Work Placement is the final step towards graduation and professional employment.

Students participating in Co-op and Work Placements benefit in many ways:

  • Students "learn by doing" by meeting authentic workplace demands and expectations within their field of study

  • Contribute to the culture of the workplace

  • Apply and expand on program course knowledge, and the employability skills acquired which are valued in the labour market

  • Network with employers who have possible employment opportunities

  • Students are evaluated by employers and these employers may be an excellent source for recent, professional workplace references

Work Integrated Learning Begins Here!

Co-operative Education Specialist: Kim Blake

Academic Work Placement Liaison: Melissa Covello

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