About Co-op/Work Experience Selection Options

Co-op and Work Experience is used to select program options that have a workplace training component to them. Receiving some on-the-job training as part of your formal learning is an extremely beneficial way to bridge the transition between study and work.

Co-op programs offer paid employment, usually for a semester at a time, in an area of work that is directly related to your area of study. Co-op work placements receive credit on your official transcript upon completion of a program of study. Not only does this provide excellent work experience and course credit, it also helps you with the cost of your post-secondary education.

Work experience is on-the-job training or an industry based project that does not pay a salary, but provides credit and an opportunity to get first-hand experience with many different aspects of jobs related to your area of study. It is an excellent way to establish a job related network and to add to your resume. Work experiences all vary in lengths. Therefore it is a good idea to check the individual program's work experience schedule and make sure you can fit a work placement into your plans.

Co-op/Work Experience is best used when you want to select a program of study that will help give you job-ready skills and/or knowledge about the workplace.