Co-op is work-integrated learning.  It is a partnership between the College, an employer, and the student. Co-op education is an option which can be pursued in specified programs providing practical work experience by combining formal academic training at the College with paid work experience with an approved Cooperative employer organization.

Students generally alternate study terms with 16-week paid work terms. Work/study periods vary for each program. Bachelor Degrees in Applied Studies include mandatory Co-op work terms as a graduation requirement for the program. (Please see the chart for a listing of programs currently offering a Co-op option, and their respective work/study sequences.)

Algonquin Co-op coordinates all work term activities, from your job application to your actual job offer with an employer. The Department recruits the participation of employers; posts work term opportunities; submits résumés to companies for their review and selection; and arranges interviews, on or off campus.

All work term opportunities are approved by faculty and the Co-op Department to ensure that the work assignment meets the established program guidelines. In addition, Department representatives do a follow-up site visit during the term.

Co-op students are required to attend work term preparation classes preceding the first work term where topics coverred include resume writing skills, interview techniques, work term responsibilities, and more. Following each work term, students must submit a formal report to the Co-op Department. These reports are an integral part of the learning and evaluation process and validate your achievement of the learning outcomes for the work term.  The faculty advisors mark the work term reports.

• Practical Career Experience and Educational Relevancy:
  • Co-op education provides career-related experiences that help you understand more about your chosen professional field. In-class study and training are immediately reinforced and applied in work assignments.
• Career Choices and Development:
  • Cooperative programs provide you with an ongoing opportunity to evaluate and assess your career choice, ensuring your future career satisfaction.
• Employment Advantages:
  • The work experience gained through your Co-op increases your potential to secure permanent employment and may also give you a head start on the salary scale.
• Income:
  • Co-op enables you to earn income, learn about managing your finances, and helps defray some of your educational expenses.
• Employability Skills:
  • As a Co-op graduate, you will have gained valuable skills in problem solving, leadership, communication, team work and more... skills employers look for when hiring.

To apply for the Co-op option of a program, students are required to submit an application to the Co-op Department at the beginning of the semester preceding the first scheduled work term. (Please refer to the chart.) Applications for admission are assessed and approved on an individual basis by the appropriate academic and/or Co-op representative. All applicants are assessed and selected based on specific admission/selection criteria. Please contact the Co-op Department for more detailed information.

Please click here to view the Program Progression Pattern schedule.