To all students, whether domestic or international, who are enrolled in a program with work experience requirements.
Work Experience refers to any form of work experience (co-op work placement, co-op, practicum work placement, practicum) mentioned in this document. This is a requirement within the study program, so long as the student has registered for a program with a “co-op” or “practicum” placement.
Co-op Work Placement: Co-op work placement is an integral component of all co-op programs that is provided by a host organization in which a student obtains practical skills relevant to the learning objectives of the program. Co-op placements may be paid or unpaid.
The length of placement shall not be more than 50% of the total length of the program that the student is enrolled in. Specific lengths for each program can be found in the respective student handbook.
2. The student must have successfully completed all required coursework before being considered for Work Experience. Exceptions to this may be considered under extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the School Director or the individual(s) acting in such a role. Additionally, if the student is on an authorized leave, they cannot begin co-op until they return.
3. Co-op Orientation: OICC will conduct an Orientation session for Co-op student within the first week from the start date of their co-op. At this Orientation, students will be briefed on the objectives of the Work Experience, expectations for performance, reporting procedures and administrative forms to be completed such as the Letter of Agreement, Monthly Monitoring / Attendance Reports, and Post-Placement Company Evaluation. This orientation will assist students in preparing well for the Work Experience at a later stage.
4. One-on-one meetings with Program Lead / Co-op Advisor: Each student will meet with either the program lead or co-op advisor who will guide the student from the start to the end of the Work Experience term. Students will be invited to meet their respective program lead/advisor to discuss their interest and suitability for Work Experience options. Students will also receive additional coaching and support on how to conduct job search, prepare resumes & cover letters and practice job interviews.
2. The program lead / co-op advisor will liaise with relevant host organizations (employers in various industries) to seek a placement. Once a suitable host has been identified, an interview with the employer and the student will be arranged.
3. The co-op host (employer) reserves the right to accept or decline a student for placement with the company. Students are strongly advised to be prepared for the interview with the host employer and, if necessary, may contact their program lead / co-op advisor for guidance and support with interview techniques.
4. At this point, the Letter of Agreement form will be jointly completed and signed by the student and the employer. The completed Letter of Agreement form must be returned to the program lead/co-op advisor to be counter-signed at the earliest opportunity upon starting the placement. A copy of the letter will be emailed to the student and host employer and filed in the student’s folder.
- each week whether the student is attending the work experience; and,
- each month whether the student is meeting the learning objectives of the respective program
2. Successful graduation of Co-op Programs of study: If there are no concerns or issues arising out of these reports, the program lead / co-op advisor will update the student records accordingly and inform the student services of the student’s co-op work experience completion.
