The co-op program in Canada is common. Many international students believe that it is becoming increasingly challenging to secure a job in Canada after graduation. As a result, co-op programs have become more and more important for them, allowing them to gain relevant work experience before embarking on the search for a full-time job upon graduation.
Create Career College (CCC) stands out as a leading private career college in Canada. We provide English classes (ESL), in-person and online college courses, along with co-op programs tailored for both international and local students.
In this article, we will discuss the 4 methods that CCC will use to help our students find a co-op job in Canada.
Table of Contents
What is a Co-op Program in Canada?
A co-op program is known as a cooperative education program. It allows students to integrate classroom learning with practical work experience. It provides students with real-world exposure and hands-on work experience in their chosen field of study, enhancing their academic learning through practical experience.
In a co-op program, students will spend several months working in a professional environment, like a company or an organization. Most co-op programs in Canada offer paid work placements. It helps students offset the cost of their education and living expenses. Having co-op training will not only help students build their resumes but also allow them to build a network of professional contacts in the industry.
Co-op programs are popular in Canada and are offered by many universities and colleges in the country. Create Career College’s 2-year diploma programs also provide students with valuable co-op experience.
Co-op vs Internship
Co-op and internship programs are similar in that they both provide students with opportunities to gain practical work experience while pursuing their studies. However, there are some differences between the two.
Academic Integration
Co-op programs are usually tightly integrated into the academic curriculum while internships may or may not be directly connected to academic credit. The co-op work experience is usually closely tied to the academic program’s requirements and counts towards academic credit. On the other hand, internships are usually seen as standalone work experiences and may not be closely related to academic requirements.
Payment
Most co-op programs offer paid work placements, whereas internships can be paid or unpaid. Students usually receive compensation for co-op work. However, the compensation for an internship depends on the company’s policies, industry norms and other factors.
Duration
The work terms of co-op programs can last several months and are integrated into the academic curriculum. The duration of internships varies, ranging from a few weeks to several months, and are often more flexible in terms of scheduling.
Availability
Co-op programs are usually offered by educational institutions so students must be enrolled in these programs to participate. Internship opportunities can be found in various channels, such as education institutions, job boards, company websites, and more.
CCC’s Co-op Program
The 2-year diploma program at Create Career College (CCC) fulfills the requirements for the Hong Kong Pathway – Stream A application. Upon graduation and acquisition of the diploma certificate, students become eligible to prepare and submit their application for Canadian Permanent Residency (Canada PR). Our 2-year diploma programs comprise 12 months of Academic Studies and 12 months of Co-op Experience. This format enables students to enter the Canadian job market and apply their learning during the second year of study.
Regarding Canadian Co-op, similar to full-time or part-time employment, it involves processes such as resume preparation, job search, interviews, and receiving acceptance letters. On the journey to fulfilling the Co-op requirements, we collaborate closely with students to secure their ideal job placements. The following section will delve into the support CCC provides to students in terms of co-op experiences.
Canada Minimum Wage
To safeguard the rights of workers, each province in Canada has established its own minimum wage system. CCC’s 2-year diploma program offers great flexibility, enabling students to attend classes remotely online and complete their co-op experiences in any region of Canada. As a result, CCC students can refer to and compare minimum wages across different parts of Canada before deciding in which province or region they wish to live and work.
For the federally regulated private sector, employers must adjust their wage information by April 1, 2023, to ensure that workers and interns are compensated according to the new wage standards. Starting from April 1, 2023, the federal minimum wage will increase to CAD$16.65 per hour. If a province or region’s minimum wage standard is higher than the federal minimum wage, employers in these establishments must adhere to the higher standard. The federally regulated private sector typically includes banks, postal and courier services, interprovincial air transport, railways, road, maritime transportation, and other sectors.
Province/Area | Minimum Wage/Hour | Remarks |
Alberta | CAD$15 | Effective from Oct 1, 2018. |
British Columbia | CAD$16.75 | Effective from Jun 1, 2023. |
Manitoba | CAD$14.15 | Effective from Apr 1, 2023. Will be increased to CAD$15.3 from Oct 1, 2023. |
New Brunswick | CAD$14.75 | Effective from Apr 1, 2023. |
Newfoundland & Labrador | CAD$14.5 | Effective from Apr 1, 2023. Will be increased to CAD$15 from Apr 1, 2024. |
Northwest Territories | CAD$15.2 | Effective from Sep 1, 2021. Will be increased according to CPI from Sep 1, 2023. |
Nova Scotia | CAD$14.5 | Effective from Apr 1, 2023. Will be increased to CAD$15 from Oct 1, 2023. |
Nunavut | CAD$16 | Effective from Apr 1, 2020. |
Ontario | CAD$15.5 | Effective from Oct 1, 2022. Will be increased to CAD$16.55 from Oct 1, 2023. |
Prince Edward Island | CAD$14.5 | Effective from Jan 1, 2023. Will be increased to CAD$15 from Oct 1, 2023. |
Quebec | CAD$15.25 | Effective from May 1, 2023. |
Saskatchewan | CAD$13 | Effective from Oct 1, 2022. Will be increased to CAD$14 from Oct 1, 2023. |
Yukon | CAD$16.77 | Effective from Apr 1, 2023. |
CCC's Support for the Co-op Program
Create Career College’s 2-year diploma programs all incorporate a 1-year Canadian Co-op requirement. We understand that many students have concerns about securing a co-op placement in Canada. However, CCC provides resources for internships or employment to support students in their job search.
Co-op Specialist
CCC understands the concerns of students and acknowledges the anxiety they may have regarding meeting academic requirements on time. In response to this, we have enlisted the services of a Co-op Specialist to address co-op-related concerns.
Our Co-op Specialist is an expert dedicated to supporting students in the co-op program. The Specialist offers one-on-one career counselling to understand students’ career goals and aspirations. Furthermore, the Specialist provides information on employment market trends and the industry, assisting students in formulating suitable career development plans for themselves.
Resume & Interview Assistance
CCC’s Co-op Specialist aids students in preparing their resumes and refining their interview skills. The primary role of the Co-op Specialist is to help students secure co-op opportunities in their respective fields and distinguish themselves in the job market.
The Co-op Specialist will guide students in creating and polishing a professional resume that tailors content to their academic background, skills, interests, internship or work experiences, while highlighting strengths and appropriate career directions.
Additionally, the Co-op Specialist will provide guidance for interview preparation, including mock interview practice. They will offer insights into interview techniques, strategies for answering common questions, and advice on projecting confidence, enabling students to excel in real interviews.
Guest Speaker
We always invite human resource professionals from various companies as guest speakers to explain the hiring processes within their companies or industries. HR experts from different companies share insights into their company’s recruitment processes and standards, along with industry trends and developments. This helps students gain a better understanding of employment prospects in their chosen field and adjust their career development strategies accordingly.
These guest speakers are currently employed professionals in various companies, providing students with networking opportunities. Such connections can become valuable resources for future job searches, potentially guiding students toward ideal co-op or job opportunities.
Exclusive Job Advertisements
We will exclusively release job advertisements tailored for our students. These positions will be open solely to CCC students for application, and the college will manage the transmission of resumes from students to the companies. This arrangement guarantees that CCC students enjoy an enhanced likelihood of job placement due to the exclusivity, which reduces competition and elevates students’ visibility to companies.
By having the college forward resumes, the chances of companies noticing students’ job applications increase, resulting in more interview opportunities and ultimately bolstering the likelihood of successful employment.
The aforementioned support assists students in seamlessly transitioning into the job market, enhancing their career competitiveness, and paving the way for their professional journey. Simultaneously, we emphasize that students should take an active approach by proactively applying to companies or positions that pique their interest. This approach can help them fully capitalize on every opportunity to expedite the receipt of job acceptance notifications.
Job Sites in Canada
There are numerous job sites available in Canada for job seekers to find employment opportunities. Here are some common Canadian job search platforms:
- Indeed: This is one of the most popular job search websites in Canada, offering job opportunities across various industries and positions. It allows users to search based on location, industry, and job category.
- LinkedIn: This is a professional networking platform designed for professionals, making it an ideal place for job seekers to find employment opportunities and build professional connections.
- Job Bank: This is the official government-operated job board in Canada, providing job opportunities and career information from all over the country.
- Glassdoor: Glassdoor offers company reviews, salary information, and job opportunities, making it a comprehensive job site.
There are many more job sites in Canada, which you can explore by visiting the following article: 8 Best Job Sites in Canada For 2023 | CCC Co-op Opportunities.
Co-op Program in Canada: Conclusion
In fact, finding a job in Canada is not that difficult. The challenge often arises when you’re in a new place without local education or work experience. CCC acknowledges students’ concern about employment, which is precisely why the college has invested significant effort into the co-op program. The primary objective is to aid students in securing appropriate Co-op positions, recognizing that fulfilling the requirements of the two-year diploma program might prove demanding for those lacking local experience. This goal can be achieved through the abovementioned 4 key methods.
