Prospective Students

Co-operative Education

A co-operative education program formally integrates academic studies with paid program-related experience in the workplace. Students welcome the opportunity to put theory into practice, gain invaluable experience in their field of study and evaluate future career choices. Upon graduation, co-op students are prepared to make an immediate contribution to the workplace.

Conestoga has over 50 co-operative education programs.

Co-op staff provide many services for co-op students:

• assistance with developing lifelong job search skills
• evaluating work term employment options as suitable learning opportunities
• ensuring students benefit from program-specific work that complements in-class learning
• support and evaluation during the work term
• ensuring students receive proper supervision and performance feedback / evaluation

Common Questions about Co-op

1. Will staff help me to find a co-op work term placement?

   All students enrolled in a co-op program are required to successfully complete the “Co-op & Career Preparation” course prior to participating in any co-op work term through Conestoga. This course helps students develop lifelong employment preparation and job search skills including accessing the hidden job market and establishing realistic workplace expectations. The Co-op Office develops and posts co-op employment opportunities and students are required to apply to and compete for these postings. Additionally, all co-op students are required to conduct an independent job search in order to increase their employment prospects.

   The Co-op Office and the College cannot guarantee employment for co-op work terms. Students? experience, interview skills, commitment and the state of the economy are just a few factors that can affect co-op employment. Typically, the students who are successful in securing co-op employment are those who plan and begin their job search early, utilize the tools provided and who take ownership of their search by conducting their own independent job search.

2. I have a company in mind for my placement - can I use it for my co-op?

   Provided that it is a suitable work environment and the related duties of the position augment classroom learning and meet your work term outcomes. All work terms must be approved by the Co-op Office prior to beginning work.

3. Is there a cost for co-op?

   All students in co-op programs pay a non-refundable fee to offset costs involved with the wide variety of co-op services provided including marketing of students to potential employers, job search assistance, and monitoring of the work terms.

4. Where will I work as a co-op student?

   Many students work for local companies while others secure co-op work terms in other communities, cities and provinces. Work terms are available with organizations from a wide range of industries and specialties. Students are encouraged to be flexible in job choices and to consider jobs outside the local area. For students who are willing to relocate, the co-op employment rate is much higher than those who restrict themselves to the local community only. If you plan to pursue a work term with a company outside of Canada, contact your Employment Advisor to discuss your plans and develop a strategy.

Applying to a Co-op Program Conestoga offers both optional and mandatory co-op programs. Where an program is offered as mandatory co-op, students apply directly to the co-op program. Where a program is offered as optional co-op, students apply to the regular program. Upon completion of first semester, students may apply to the co-op option.

Note for International Students: International students will require a co-op work permit and a Social Insurance Number in order to work in Canada. Staff in the International office at Conestoga will guide students through the application process. For further information, see the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website at: www.cic.gc.ca.