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Creating a Co-op Position

Plan a Successful Experience | Co-op Development Tips | How to Hire/Participate

If you have never hired a Co-op student before, it is important to know that this is an academic program. The experience for the student must be challenging and related to their major. Remember:

  • Create career-related work assignments that provide valuable learning experiences
  • Develop job descriptions that outline qualifications and tasks

Plan a Successful Experience!

If you are interested in creating a co-op opportunity:

  • Develop a description of the type of work or project a Co-op student could complete (Check out the type of work our students can do)
  • Determine the type of business student you are looking for and for what length (4 or 8mths)
  • Discuss with your staff supervision and possible mentoring roles that will be required for the Co-op student
  • Create career-related work assignments that provide valuable learning experiences
  • Develop job descriptions that outline qualifications and tasks

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Co-op Tips

If you have never developed a co-op position before, here are some tips to help you design one.

  1. Present the concept of co-op to key decision makers in your company to secure ‘buy-in’. If requested, the Co-op Coordinator can make a preliminary on-site visit to meet with decision makers to promote the program and answer questions.

  2. Assign an organizational representative to facilitate implementation and to act as a liaison between your company and the Co-op Office.

  3. Identify the link between your hiring needs and our program specializations. For example, if your company is considering launching a new product line, consider developing a Co-op position for a Marketing major. You can hire more than one student.

  4. Establish a budget for salaried positions based on prevailing average wages as identified by labour market conditions. In most cases, this will be at or above the average market wage. We recommend a salary in the range of $15-20/hr plus benefits.

  5. Determine the key skills required and develop a position profile that provides a meaningful learning experience.

  6. Plan assignments, prepare a workstation, and inform all staff as you normally would when welcoming a new employee.

Source: CAFCE Co-operative Education Manual

Now lets look at How to Hire / Participating in Co-op

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