How Does Co-op Work?

Once admitted to Co-op, students complete Co-op training modules and begin a Co-op job search with the support of their assigned Coordinator.  This means students stay enrolled in their classes in the semester they are admitted and most students will begin their first work term 4 or 8 months after joining the Co-op program:

• If you join the Fall, you would begin your first work term in January or May
• If you join in the Winter, you would begin your first work term in May or September

Co-op students complete 12 months of work experience in total through a combination of 4 or 8-month work terms, which generally alternate with school terms.  While on a work term, Co-op students are paid a salary which is set by the employer (average salary is $3600 per month).  Work terms can start in January, May, or September and are usually 4 or 8 months long.  

Students are not guaranteed a work term in the Co-op program.  We prepare students to conduct a job search and provide job postings, training, support and guidance, but ultimately, you are responsible for securing a work term.

Review the Business Co-op Program Policy Manual which contains important information you need to know about the Co-op program.

During a Work Term

During a Co-op work term, students work full-time and don’t take academic courses.  However, students are registered in a non-credit WKEXP course while working to maintain full-time student status.  Students are registered in a different WKEXP course for each 4-month work term, so if you do an 8-month work term, you will be registered in one WKEXP course for the first 4 months and another WKEXP course for the second 4 months. 

To complete the requirements for a WKEXP course, you need to complete the following:

• 13-16 weeks of full-time work
• Work term report
• A site visit meeting with a Coordinator
• Receive a satisfactory evaluation from your supervisor

There is tuition associated with WKEXP courses. See How Much Does Co-op Cost for more information. WKEXP courses are taken in addition to academic courses and are graded on a pass-fail basis.

 

If you have additional questions, please email us at businesscoop@ualberta.ca.