Cooperative education enables highly motivated students to combine post-secondary studies with practical experience in their chosen field.
Students, employers and the community benefit tremendously through this professional and personal development process.
Since 1991, the College of the North Atlantic has been providing cooperative education opportunities to students enrolled in Engineering, Information Technology and Natural Resources Programs. The success of our Cooperative Education Programs is the result of the strong relationship developed over the years between students, alumni, employers and the College faculty and staff.
Benefits of Hiring A Co-operative Education Student
Offers a cost effective, screening program for hiring highly qualified students upon graduation.
Offers employers a variety of student work schedules to meet specific needs and industrial/business cycles.
Results in a greater retention of newly hired employees (student graduates).
Influences the campus curricula to meet needs of business, industry, and government agencies.
Enables students to have increased knowledge, more mature attitudes, and the ability to adapt to changing situations.
Allows professional staff to concentrate on higher level work while Co-operative education students do more entry level work.
Provides an infusion of bright, enthusiastic young people who provide new ideas and new viewpoints.
Opportunities to observe potential permanent hire for an extended period and in actual working conditions without long-term commitment.
The Co-op Process
Employer submits a Co-op job posting to Co-operative Education Office which outlines job duties and responsibilities.
Students submit resumes to the office, which are forwarded to the employer
Employer reviews resumes and advises the Co-operative Education Office concerning which students will be interviewed.
Co-operative Education Office can schedule interviews, notify students, and arrange interviews to be held on campus or at the employer’s location.
Employers notify the Co-operative Education Office when a decision regarding employment is made. Some programs have a ranking process by which student-employer matches are made.
Students sign a letter of acceptance.
Co-operative Education Office will monitor the student while on work term.
Co-operative Education Office will perform a site visit midway through the Co-op placement.
Employers will evaluate job performance during the site visit and at the end of the work term. The College provides evaluation forms.
Employer evaluations will make up 50% of the students Co-op grade. Students will also be required to submit a Co-op report to the Co-operative Education Office. The report will make up the other 50% of the student’s grade. Students are responsible for the report, however employers may have valuable insight that can assist students when choosing topics and drawing conclusions.
Government Funding
Small Enterprise Co-operative Placement Assistance Program (SECPAP)
A program funded by the Department of Human Resources, Labour & Employment Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and delivered by Co-operative Education Office, College of the North Atlantic.
