Co-operative education is a great way to get workplace experience and gain contacts that may be helpful when you begin searching for work.
What: Co-op programs combine academic studies with paid work experience in a field of study.
Sample program titles:
- Business administration
- Electronics engineering technician
- Honours English
- Geography
- Environmental studies
Where: Co-op programs are offered at:
- high schools
- community colleges
- CÉGEPs
- universities
- career colleges (private)
How: Students take academic courses but spend part of their academic year working full time at a co-op placement.
Cost: Co-op courses, other than those offered in high schools, have a cost that is similar to that of other courses at the institution. However, co-op students may "earn while they learn" when they are working at their placements.
Keep in mind: Research shows that co-op students have the following characteristics:
- higher employment rate than other graduates in their chosen field.
- employment sooner after graduation.
- reduced student debt load.
- lower student drop-out rate.
- improved interpersonal relations, self-confidence and independence.
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