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Benefits of Co-operative Education

Employers, students, and the University all benefit greatly from the experience, but the true success of the program depends greatly upon the contribution of each participant to the partnership.

Benefits to Employers

  • Co-operative Education provides employers with a continual supply of motivated and high achieving students who are eager to learn and perform well on the job.
  • Co-op offers a cost-effective system of evaluating the potential of future employees without making a long-term hiring commitment.
  • For many employers, Co-op students provide opportunities to release highly trained staff to perform more advanced or higher priority work; it is a cost-effective means of utilizing higher paid, permanent staff.
  • Training costs can be substantially reduced because Co-op students receive on-campus study terms before their first work placement, and second year students will have also completed at least one 3 to 4-month work term; thus, Co-op students become productive employees very quickly.
  • Co-op students provide an infusion of bright, enthusiastic people who bring new ideas and viewpoints.
  • Co-op provides employers with an excellent opportunity to meet short-term or special project needs due to vacation schedules, sick or maternity leaves, or transfers.
  • Co-op graduates generally display competence and mature attitudes, and they are able to adapt to changing situations.

Benefits to Students

  • Co-operative Education provides "career related" experience that extends the learning process beyond the limitations of the classroom.
  • Co-op students understand the expectations and requirements of their professional field.
  • Co-op students are given an opportunity to evaluate and assess the suitability of their career choice before entering the work force on a full-time basis.
  • Co-op Education programs provide all students regardless of family income levels or other financial aid arrangements-the resources to pay for their own education.
  • Co-op students learn job seeking and job retention skills which include resume writing, letter writing, interviewing, and placement preparation.
  • Co-operative Education provides students with the opportunity to interact professionally with new people and develop interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Co-op graduates generally have a degree of confidence upon entering a job situation and usually begin at a higher level of responsibility in their first position.

Benefits to the University

  • The University, through its interaction with business, government, industry, and agencies during the Co-operative Education process, receives constant feedback on the quality and relevance of its academic programs and course content.
  • Co-op relationships between students and employers bring the University closer to the entire community.
  • Co-op makes the faculty and administration more aware of current professional practices.
  • Co-op increases the retention of students by increasing satisfaction with the institution and providing funds for students to continue their education.
  • Co-operative Education encourages and stimulates private sector responsibility in providing training opportunities.
  • Co-operative Education ensures that the University will continue to get ongoing and timely information with regard to emerging careers.