Co-op Information for Employers

Welcome Employers!

What is Co-op?

As defined by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada), a co-op program is an educational model that integrates a student's academic studies with work experience by alternating alternate academic terms with co-op work terms. 

  • A co-op work term may be 4, 8, or 12-months in length, equal to an academic term. It aligns with semester dates and is approximately 420-520 hours of work experience. A co-op can start in September, January, or May.
  • Co-op positions must be paid, in accordance with fair labor practices and applicable laws.
  • In order for a position to be considered co-op, it must align with a student's field of study.

Benefits of hiring a co-op student

  • Co-op students bring fresh energy, innovative ideas, and new perspectives that can enhance your workplace culture and problem-solving approaches.
  • Co-op gives employers access to motivated students equipped with industry-relevant skills and current academic knowledge, making hiring more efficient and cost-effective.
  • Because co-op placements are short-term (4, 8, or 12 months), they offer flexible staffing solutions during peak times, special projects, or temporary absences.
  • A Co-op term can serve as a valuable trial period to assess a student’s fit for future employment—many organizations go on to hire their co-op students full-time after graduation.
  • Co-op students can contribute meaningfully across a variety of tasks, from project-based work to day-to-day operational support.

 

A typical journey through the UNBC Co-op Program is reflected in the timeline below:  
 

co-op schedule for hiring

How do I hire a student?

Log in or register to the Experiential Learning Hub. Post a co-op job and hire UNBC co-op students.

Employer Responsibilities

Before extending a job offer, please confirm that the student is enrolled in the Co-op program by contacting the co-op coordinator at co-op@unbc.ca.

  • Students will identify 3-5 learning goals and share these with their supervisor during the first three weeks of their work term.
  • Supervisors are encouraged to provide feedback on the attainability of these goals within the scope of the work term and offer ongoing support to facilitate their achievement.
  • These learning goals will be reviewed during the student’s work term check-in meeting and referenced in the student's final assignment. 

Once a student begins their work term, contact the co-op office if there are any concerns or changes regarding a student's work term or performance, including:

  • Work term extensions
  • Shortening of a work term
  • Termination of a work term
  • Performance concerns. 
  • The co-op coordinator will reach out to you and your student around the mid-point of the work term to schedule a check-in meeting.
  • The meeting is normally 30 minutes with the supervisor to discuss student responsibilities and performance to-date. There will be a separate meeting with the student to discuss progress, review feedback and co-op requirements for the remainder of the term.
  • In some cases, if you are supervising a student who has worked with you in previous terms, an email or e-check in may be sent, in place of a meeting. 

  • The co-op coordinator will email you to complete the Final Student Evaluation during the last month of the work term. The evaluation can be found in the Experiential Learning Hub.
  • You will be asked to provide feedback on your student’s overall performance in their work term.
  • The final evaluation helps determine if the student receives a pass or fail on their transcript.

Students receiving competitive and fair wages for their co-op work terms are integral to the UNBC Co-op program.

Where to Get Funding

Funding Resources - Canada

Eco Canada
Canada Summer Jobs
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
The Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit

Funding Resources - BC

New Ventures BC
Innovate BC

How do I connect with UNBC students?

UNBC Career Fairs#

We are excited to announce the 2025 - 2026 Career Fairs scheduled for November 4, 2025, and February 10, 2026 from 10:00am - 3:00pm. These large-scale events provide an excellent opportunity to meet a wide range of students and alumni, discuss career opportunities, and conduct on-the-spot interviews.  You can register for these events through the Experiential Learning Hub. 

Industry Events#

Participate in our Industry Events, designed as targeted networking evenings that bring together students and alumni from specific faculties and professionals from corresponding industries. 

  • Mar 4, 2026 | 4:30pm - 7:00pm - Science and Tech Night
  • Mar 31, 2026 | 4:30pm - 7:00pm - Research Night

For more information on fees, please review our Career Connect and Sponsorship Rates document.

If you have any questions, please contact co-op@unbc.ca.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Resources

Looking for more resources to support EDIA? ACEWIL has several resources, including 

  • a toolkit on current practices
  • support for neurodivergent students
  • support of diverse student needs
  • social media and web accessibility guides

Advice on Mentorship

by organizing an orientation and workplace tour. Introduce the student to their team and ensure their workspace, tools, and technology (computer, phone, etc.) are ready in advance.

to suit the student’s level of experience. This may include reviewing workplace norms, safety protocols, professional etiquette, and confidentiality expectations.

For many students, this may be their first experience in a professional setting. Offer guidance and support as they adjust.

to provide structure, answer questions, and track progress.

during scheduled review sessions. Remain flexible and open to adjusting tasks based on the student's growth and abilities.

such as previous project files, templates, and background materials to support their work.

by introducing the student to colleagues or industry professionals who can offer insight and mentorship. Facilitate one-on-one meetings where appropriate.

by sharing stories, highlighting success milestones, and discussing challenges the organization has overcome.

Connect with us!

Interested in learning more? Have a particular job or project you'd like to hire for?

co-op@unbc.ca | 250-960-5447 | 7-153