Students from virtually every academic discipline and occupational field are available for Co-op employment and the benefits to Employers can be significant. Employers may be eligible for the Co-operative Education Tax Credit (CETC).
When is a Co-op Student a Good Option?
- Business is expanding
- Urgent tasks are not getting done
- Senior staff wasting time performing entry-level tasks
- "Burnout" from workload affecting permanent staff
- Difficulty making new computer and other technologies work
- Lack of good candidates for full-time positions
- Hiring too many freelancers and consultants
- Busy periods requiring temporary staff
- Staff on leaves-of-absence
- Organization would benefit from a more youthful workforce
Benefits to Employers
- Introduction of bright, energetic workers to the organization
- Quality staff for short term or ongoing projects
- Access to up-to-date knowledge and skills
- Opportunity to evaluate potential full-time employees
- Year-round availability
- Flexible work term lengths
- Reasonable cost
Employer Incentives
When you hire a Co-op student, you may qualify for a tax credit from the Ontario and Canadian Federal Governments. > Learn more about the Co-op Tax Credit
How to Hire a Co-op Student
- Use the search feature on this website to identify the schools most likely to have students with the knowledge and skills your organization requires
- Prepare a detailed job description for the Co-op position, including information on your organization
- Send the position description to the school(s) where you want to advertise for Co-op students* You will receive the applications of interested students
- Review the applications and select interview candidates
- Conduct interviews and make hiring decision Notify the school(s) of your hiring decision
Roles & Responsibilities
Guidelines for the conduct of the three parties involved in Co-operative education; employers, students, and institutions, include but are not limited to the following:
Co-op Employers
Provide work that is related to a program of study at a Co-op institution and similar in content to the work performed by full time employees in their organization, adjusted to take into account the students' experience level. > Read More
Co-op Schools
Develop Co-operative education employment opportunities with public and private sector employers that fulfill the Co-operative education requirements. > Read More
Co-op Students
Maintain acceptable academic standing according to the regulations of their Co-op program. > Read More
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