The Co-operative (Co-op) Education program alternates semesters of classroom studies with paid, full-time work related to your studies. Co-op Work Terms – the times when you are working full-time and not taking classes – are usually four or eight months and usually take place in the fourth or fifth semester of your academic program.
How does the Co-op program work?
Before you get to the Co-op Work Term there are two terms of preparatory work required. These are referred to as the Co-op Prep and Co-op Seeking Terms. These terms take place during your second and third semester of studies and require a commitment of your time. Here’s a general overview of the process:
1. Co-op Prep Term
Develop your career management skills (and apply for work permits if you are an international student).
2. Co-op Seeking Term
Polish your interview skills and start applying for jobs within your field with the support of a Co-op coach.
3. Co-op Work Term
Put a pause on studying and start working full-time.
Applying to Co-op – start early to avoid disappointment
The preparation required for the Co-op Work Term means that you need to apply for Co-op six weeks before the start of the semester. Review the complete Co-op Education Program: Detailed Steps so you understand what to do.
Questions? Five ways to find out more
- Attend a Co-op information session within the first two weeks of a new semester so you can get started right away. If you miss the initial information session, we hold another session in the third month of each term so that you can plan for the following term. Register through the Events & Workshops calendar on CareerHUB.
- Download the Student Co-operative Education handbook.
- Chat online with a Co-op specialist at our “Co-op Education - Earn While You Learn: Co-op Questions Answered” events. They are offered every at Thursdays at 10:30am. Register through the Events & Workshops calendar on CareerHUB.
- Email us: Co-op@douglascollege.ca
- Call the Program Assistant : James Lee at 236 428-4841 or 604 218-3431
In most cases, students apply for employment opportunities posted on Career Hub, and the Co-op office forwards the portfolios of qualified students to employers and arranges the interviews. Employers make the final hiring decision, often in consultation with the Co-op office. Students are also encouraged to discover or create their own employment work opportunities.
Nine credits are awarded for each work term successfully completed. Co-op credits are additive. They cannot be used to meet regular academic course requirements needed to complete your program.
Yes. Co-op fees are based on the College’s current fee schedule. Payment is made only when a work term is secured. The fee structure is different for international students; please contact the Co-op office for details.
Co-op students are required to take a minimum of nine credits in each study semester and to maintain a GPA of 2.33 (C+). You must also have completed a minimum of 18 credits in your program. In addition to academic performance, students are selected on the basis of maturity, motivation, adaptability and prior work experience.
A Co-op work term (4 months) must be a minimum of 420 hours completed in a 12-16 week work term. Often employers will hire Co-op students for two work terms (8 months) back to back. While the sequence may vary, work terms are normally scheduled after completion of the second or third semester of your academic program. Students generally do not attend courses while in their Co-op work term, though there are exceptions. Please note: You must return to your studies after you complete your Co-op work term; a Co-op work term is not eligible for your last semester.
Co-op is an educational program, not a placement service. The Co-op office will do its utmost to help you to secure a suitable work term. Your success will depend on current market demands, your particular skills and experience and your ability to sell yourself in an interview with the employer.
Co-op students must attend all mandatory prerequisite seminars, complete all assignments, play an active role in the job search process, complete projects or reports assigned by faculty advisors during the work term, and conduct themselves appropriately on the job, as representatives of Douglas College. A student handbook detailing Co-op program policies and procedures is available from the Co-op office and on our website.
Rates of pay are determined by the employer. We recommend to employers they pay students in accordance with their organization’s regular pay scale and based on job duties and level of responsibility. Wages normally range from $18-$22 per hour or higher. Wages, benefits and working conditions vary.
If you already have a job related to your studies and would like to use it for Co-op credits, discuss with your employer and have them contact the Co-op office. Or talk to us, and we will contact the employer on your behalf.
On-the-job performance is monitored and evaluated by both your work supervisor and Co-op faculty advisor. Evaluation criteria includes your contribution to the employer's business, your ability to communicate, negotiate and deliver performance objectives; and your perceived development in terms of employer-valued abilities. A formal work term report or other project is also required for each work term. Co-op work terms are graded as "Mastery" (pass) or "Non Mastery" (fail).
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