Module 2

4. Co-operative Education

What is Co-op?

Co-operative Education (Co-op) is a structured work-integrated learning (WIL) model where students alternate between periods of academic study and paid, full-time work terms directly related to their field of study. These work terms integrate classroom learning with real-world application.

Co-op is the only WIL model accredited by CEWIL Canada and includes specific standards such as minimum work hours, employer evaluations, and institutional oversight. Work terms typically last 4, 8, or 12 months and must meet a minimum of 420 hours each term.

Examples of Co-op placements:

  • Social media coordinator for a Marketing student
  • Software developer for a Computer Science student
  • Research assistant for a Health Sciences student

Key Features

  • Paid, full-time work terms alternating with academic study
  • A minimum of 420 hours per term (typically 4 months)
  • Supervised by the employer and evaluated by the institution
  • Midpoint and final assessments required
  • Strong focus on skill development and workplace integration

Why Choose Co-op?

Employers benefit by accessing project-ready talent and developing long-term recruitment strategies. According to CEWIL Canada and WIL partners across BC:

  1. Fill short-term staffing gaps
  2. Increase capacity for ongoing or new projects
  3. Build a recruitment pipeline with students who understand your workplace
  4. Bring fresh ideas and up-to-date knowledge 
  5. Access wage subsidies and government-funded programs

Co-op is especially valuable for employers looking to expand innovation, improve project delivery, and reduce hiring risks.

Project Lifecycle

Co-op follows a highly structured, four-phase life cycle:

  • Onboarding: Define goals, align with co‑op timelines, and work with the institution to create the posting, recruit, and hire. Funding may be explored early in the process.
  • Midpoint Check-In: Review progress with the student and co‑op coordinator to discuss performance and contributions.
  • Final Assessment: Complete the final employer evaluation; students submit a reflective report or presentation.
  • Offboarding: Review outcomes and consider rehiring or re-engaging in future co‑op cycles.

Real-World Example

One Voice, a small organization focused on process optimization and education, hired four co-op students and two interns during the pandemic. Using 75% wage subsidies, they expanded operational capacity while supporting student development. Co-op students participated in agile workflow practices including daily scrums, sprint reviews, and retrospectives, and were fully integrated into the organizational workflow.

Another employer, Query Technologies, conducted virtual midpoint reviews with UVic co-op students and praised the effectiveness of the process. One of the co-op students was hired full-time.