Hiring a Co-op Student

What is Co-op?

Co-op education is a process of education that formally integrates students’ academic study with periods of related work experience. Selkirk College’s Co-op education programs are designed within guidelines established by the Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) and in consultation with federal and provincial government agencies.  Learn more.

For a summary of information on co-op for employers and an example of a step-by-step process see Selkirk College's Co-op Employer Guide.

Benefits of Hiring a Co-op Student

Click here for the full Why Hire Co-op pdf.

• Diverse Talent Pool: You will have access to a pool of highly motivated and capable students from many different disciplines to perform specific tasks/projects.
• Multiple year-round start dates: Our co-op students can start working in January, May or September. This means that we will accept your job postings all year-round.
• Cost-effective recruitment strategy:
  • This is an opportunity to evaluate potential career employees without obligation or commitment to permanent employment.
  • Our co-op students help meet short-term needs including peak times, vacation schedules, training commitments and/or special projects.
  • Our co-op students bring enthusiasm, “can-do” attitude, fresh perspectives, and creative solutions to your organization.
• Your organization plays an important and influential role in the development of the student’s learning and education process.
• Financial resources available to help you fund co-op or internship student positions.

Tax Credits for Hiring a Co-op Student

Hiring a co-op student may provide tax credits to your organization. Check out the tax credits and incentives available in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

• British Columbia Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit
  17.5% Tax Credit
• British Columbia Scientific Research & Experimental Development Tax Credit
  10% Tax Credit
• Manitoba Paid Work Experience Tax Credits
  15% Tax Credit
• Manitoba Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit
  40% Tax Credit
• Saskatchewan R&D Tax Credit
  10% Tax Credit

Co-op Eligible Programs

• Geographic Information Systems
• Integrated Environmental Planning Technology
• Forestry Technology
• Recreational Fish and Wildlife
• Business Administration – Accounting/Finance
• Business Administration – Professional Management
• Engineering (Applied Science)
• University Arts & Sciences
• Digital Arts
• Digital Fabrication & Design

Click here to learn more about these programs.

Hiring Process

A Co-op position must be:

• A paid and supervised position
• A minimum of 12 weeks and/or 420 hours 
• Engaging to the student in productive work relevant to their area of study

Simple hiring process:

Employer Resources

Advice on Mentorship

When supervising a new student employee:

• Arrange a welcome orientation and a tour. Introduce your new employee to their new colleagues.
• Ensure that anything a new employee needs (for example, their computer, phone, tools, workspace, etc.) are set up in advance.
• Tailor your orientation process to the student's level of experience. This could include providing information about workplace behaviour and safety, information about etiquette, and expectations surrounding confidentiality.
• Allow for a learning curve. This may be their first experience in a professional environment.
• Establish check-ins on a regular basis.
• Provide feedback regularly at scheduled review sessions. Be open to adjusting the student's responsibilities as needed.
• Provide the student with relevant materials that will help them in their new role, like information about past projects, examples, and templates.
• Invite students to connect with their colleagues or other professional colleagues that may help them explore their path. Facilitate meetings.
• Invite students to staff social activities.
• Help your employee to learn about the company's culture. Share success stories and stories of challenges that have been overcome.

COVID-19 Resources

We are committed to bringing together the co-operative education and work-integrated learning community during this uncertain and unprecedented time. There are available resources to help you navigate in hiring post-secondary students during this challenging time. Learn more...

Additional Resources

We want to make this easy for you. We have templates for job descriptions, job postings, a list of wage subsidy programs, and a team ready to help you in any way we can. The CEES team is available to offer full-cycle recruitment support, which could include lunch time or in-class presentations, information table in high traffic area, interview set-up and accommodation and student communications.

Hiring Students with Disabilities

Explore the following areas to discover the benefits of hiring students and alumni with disabilities and how to start making your organization more inclusive. It’s not about being nice, it’s just good business. Learn more...

Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit

Workplace diversity is crucial for innovation and creativity within organizations. Having employees from various backgrounds brings different perspectives and ideas into the everyday business. This Toolkit includes a package of resources to help you attract, hire, and onboard work-integrated-learning students from an international background. Learn more with the ACE-WIL Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Toolkit for Employers and Hiring Managers. It's downloadable PFD for you guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the rate for hiring a Co-op student?

Salaries are established by the employer for a skilled position. Aspects to consider are:

• The industry standard
• Student’s experience (work and prior Co-op work terms)
• Number of years of study 
• Current economic conditions

2. Are there any funding opportunities to help us hire a Co-op student?

Visit Funding Resources to help with your costs as an employerand feel free to contact the Co-op Education and Employment Services (CEES) office if you have any questions or require assistance.. 

3. How are Co-op student work terms evaluated?

Students and their supervisors are each contacted twice during the work term. Co-op students and employers must complete the mid-point check in and final evaluation. Forms will be emailed from CEES. Satisfactory completion of work terms is required for Co-op credits to be awarded. 

4. What if you have problem with a Co-op student?

At the first sign of an unusual situation (behaviour problems, medical emergencies, etc.), contact the CEES office who will work with you to resolve the problem. If you’re considering corrective action of any type, we ask that we are part of the conversation before taking action.

5. How do I extend a contract for a Co-op student employee?

A student can enrol in Co-op for a maximum of 4 terms. If you wish to extend a contract for a Co-op student employee, please contact the CEES office.