Welcome Employers!
What is Co-op?
As defined by , a co-op program is an educational model that “formally integrates a student's academic studies with work experience. Students usually alternate academic terms with co-op work terms so that they can take what they’ve learned and put it into action and bring their co-op work term experiences back into the classroom, enriching communities across campus."
- 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 connects employers with skilled, motivated students from diverse backgrounds—often streamlining the recruitment process and lowering hiring costs.
- 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 ÂÜÀòÉäÇø Co-op Program is reflected in the timeline below:
How do I hire a student?
Log in or register for the . Post a co-op job and hire ÂÜÀòÉäÇø co-op students.
How do I connect with ÂÜÀòÉäÇø students?
ÂÜÀòÉäÇø Career Fairs#
We are excited to announce the 2024 - 2025 Career Fairs scheduled for November 4, 2024, and February 10, 2025 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 .
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.
Each event may slightly differ in offering, and could include a panel discussion, where Alumni and industry leaders share insights and experiences, followed by networking opportunities and tabling sessions to facilitate direct interactions with students. This format is ideal for building meaningful connections, discussing industry trends, and scouting future talent in a focused setting. Light refreshments will be provided to create a welcoming atmosphere and encourage engagement throughout the evening. Proposed industry nights for both Graduate and Undergraduate Students:
- Sep 16, 2025 | 12:00pm to 3:00pm Accounting & Finance Fair
- Oct 9, 2025 | 4:30pm - 7:00pm - Careers in Government
- Nov 19, 2025 | 4:30pm -7:00pm - Engineering Night
- Mar 4, 2026 | 4:30pm - 7:00pm - Science and Tech Night
- Mar 31, 2026 | 4:30pm - 7:00pm - Research Night
Registration is $350 per event (discounted for Non-Profit)
Event registration will occur through the . This one platform covers all Career Centre Connect events for 2025-2026.
For more information please review our Career Connect and Sponsorship Rates document.
If you have any questions, please contact co-op@unbc.ca.
Requirements for employers
- 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.
- To ensure the progress and success of the co-op placement, a midterm site visit will be conducted. Employers are also required to complete a student evaluation of a student’s performance at the end of the co-op work term
For further information, please view this co-op document that outlines in detail how Co-operative Education engages students and benefits employers.
Advice on mentorship *
- Create a welcoming first day 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.
- Tailor the onboarding experience to suit the student’s level of experience. This may include reviewing workplace norms, safety protocols, professional etiquette, and confidentiality expectations.
- Be patient with the learning curve. For many students, this may be their first experience in a professional setting. Offer guidance and support as they adjust.
- Schedule regular check-ins to provide structure, answer questions, and track progress.
- Offer consistent, constructive feedback during scheduled review sessions. Remain flexible and open to adjusting tasks based on the student's growth and abilities.
- Equip the student with helpful resources such as previous project files, templates, and background materials to support their work.
- Encourage networking and collaboration by introducing the student to colleagues or industry professionals who can offer insight and mentorship. Facilitate one-on-one meetings where appropriate.
- Foster a sense of community by inviting the student to staff social events and team activities.
- Help them understand your workplace culture by sharing stories, highlighting success milestones, and discussing challenges the organization has overcome.
*Adapted from
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Resources
Looking for more resources to support EDIA? has several resources, including
- a toolkit on current practices
- support for neurodivergent students
- support of diverse student needs
- social media and web accessibility guides
Funding options
Students receiving competitive and fair wages for their co-op work terms are integral to the ÂÜÀòÉäÇø Co-op program.
Funding Resources - Canada
Funding Resources - BC
For a comprehensive guide of funding options, visit the .
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