It’s a formula that’s known to work: employers looking for short-term support find success by hiring students through BC’s co-operative education program, and both parties reap the benefits. Learn more about hiring co-op students and what you can gain from the program:

What Is Co-operative Education?

Co-operative education, or co-op, is an innovative learning strategy where students alternate study terms with work experience in their field of interest.

Co-op is based on a shared relationship between a university, student, and employer. Students gain invaluable hands-on experience, build their network, develop practical skills, and more. And you, the employer, benefit from their energy, fresh ideas, and hard work.

How Can Co-op Help You?

Co-op provides a flexible and cost-effective way to hire new employees. It allows you to gain short-term help on specific projects and effectively conduct a four to eight-month trial run with a potential job candidate.

Benefits include:

• Flexibility – Students can help you initiate new projects, complete existing projects, or provide relief during peak periods.
• Higher retention – Many employers hire former co-op students in full-time positions. This translates to lower recruitment and training costs, as well as higher employee retention.
• Energy and ideas – Co-op provides you with a year-round supply of enthusiastic student employees who are excited to bring new ideas to your workplace.
• Community relations – Co-op employers are encouraged to exchange ideas and innovate.

What’s Your Role As the Employer?

As the employer, you’ll develop work term goals with your co-op student, help them achieve those goals, and evaluate their progress in the middle and end of their work term. Co-op coordinators help you support the student and ensure the experience is rewarding for everyone involved.

Co-op students are required to write a work term report for each term, which is reviewed by a co-op coordinator or faculty member from their school. If the report contains confidential information, the employer will often mark the report or another accommodation will be made.

When Are Co-op Students Available?

Co-op students are available year-round. Work terms generally begin in January, May, and September, but job descriptions are accepted at any time. Co-op work terms are typically four to eight months long, as students sometimes work for an employer for more than one term consecutively.

How Much Does Co-op Cost?

As the co-op employer, you may set a salary based on the student’s skills, year of study, your resources, or industry standards. You can discuss salary options further with a co-op coordinator.

There’s no doubt that becoming a co-op employer is a win-win: you nurture students’ education and welcome those who will excel in your workplace.

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