Co-operative Education

Guidebook
2017-2018

nccareerservices@niagaracollege.ca

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Where to Find Us/ Department Services ......................................................................... 3

Welcome to Niagara College Co-operative Education .................................................... 4

What is Co-operative Education? .................................................................................... 5

Important Information for Co-op Success ........................................................................ 6

Conditions for Co-operative Education Employment ....................................................... 8

During the Co-op Work Term/ Completing your Work Term Credits ............................. 10

MyCareer ...................................................................................................................... 12

Co-op Terms and Conditions ........................................................................................ 13

Preparing for your Co-operative Education Work Term(s) ............................................ 14

Additional Information.................................................................................................... 27

Frequently Asked Questions ......................................................................................... 28

Co-op Checklist for Success ......................................................................................... 30

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Where to Find Us
Co-operative Education Services are housed in
Career Services which is also responsible for
posting summer and part-time job opportunities
(both on and off campus) and graduate job
opportunities.

NOTL Campus – Room W115 Follow us on

135 Taylor Road Facebook!
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
Tel. - 905-641-2252 Ext. 4165

Welland Campus – Room S107

100 Niagara College Boulevard
Welland, ON L3C 7L3
Tel. – 905-735-2211 Ext. 7777

Department Email - nccareerservices@niagaracollege.ca

Department out our Social Media Co-op Students receive

site, drop by our office, additional services (See
Services: and refer to MyCareer below)
Events.
Free resume reviews,
cover letter critiques,
interview tips, and
job search coaching
are available at each My experience in my Co-op was the best learning
campus. opportunity I’ve had, and it would not have
happened without the help of Niagara College. I
On campus believe that the co-op program should be
employment-related encouraged to all students. It expands on the
events including a
career fair and foundation of education that we gain at Niagara,
employer but also provides an opportunity to continue in a
presentations. career path, beyond the program itself. I also would
like to thank the Co-op department at Niagara
For additional College for being incredibly helpful throughout the
information, check process, and for being so accommodating.

Niagara College Co-op Student

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Welcome To This guidebook provides immediately contact

general information, your Co-op Career
Niagara College helpful tips, and Consultant for
Co-operative answers to basic clarification, or to review
Education! questions regarding the your personal situation.
Co-operative Education
term(s) of your program. This guidebook is
Career Services is Please read this reviewed each year. If
committed to assisting guidebook and retain it, you have any comments
you in making a as you will need to refer or suggestions for
successful transition to it from time to time improvement, we would
from Niagara College to during your program. like to hear from you.
the workplace, and to Please provide your
maximize your learning Each Co-operative comments to your Co-op
opportunities. Education program area Career Consultant or to
has an assigned team the Manager of Career
Your own commitment consisting of Co-op Services.
to fulfilling your Career Consultant(s)
program’s academic and Employer Relation Niagara College
requirements will Consultant(s). If you reserves the right to
determine the success have any questions or change, without notice,
of your work experience. concerns after you any information given in
review this material, you this publication.
are encouraged to

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What is Co-operative Education?

Co-operative Education is a program that formally integrates a student’s academic

studies with paid work experience, at cooperative employer organizations either
developed and/or approved by Niagara College. Students generally receive
remuneration for the work, and their performance on the job is supervised and
evaluated by the employer.

Co-operative Education work term opportunities are not guaranteed. Securing a Co-op
is frequently a competitive process and it is ultimately the students’ responsibility. The
Career Services department can offer guidance through individual appointments and
preparation sessions. There are also resources such as job postings, to assist students
in seeking a Co-op.

Niagara College follows the criteria of CAFCE (Canadian Association for Co-operative
Education). CAFCE information can be found at www.cafce.ca

This approach to education relies upon a three-way partnership: the student, the
institution and the employer. Success depends upon the co-operative efforts of each
party.

Student Benefits of Co-op:

Hands-on, program-related, paid work experience
Active participation in productive work, rather than merely observing
Payment for work performed, which helps to subsidize educational costs
Opportunity to enhance interpersonal and communication skills at a business level
Networking opportunities within chosen field of study
Ongoing support from Niagara College Career Services

Career Services: Employer Benefits of Co-op:

Identifying staffing/recruiting needs
Targeting potential sources of funding
Developing job descriptions
Job posting services
On-campus interview facilities
Co-op preparation services for students
Ontario Tax Credit for eligible employers
High-value, productive employee(s)
Students requiring minimal training time
On-going NC Career Services support
Opportunity to provide input into curriculum
Opportunity to provide workplace experience
that enhances the skill level of the Canadian
workforce

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Important
Information
for Co-op
Success

Increase your
success through
preparation.
Success happens by
completing your One- who focus on developing while applying to job
on-One appointment, by Co-op job opportunities. postings regularly.
participating in all Co-op Ultimately, securing a
to Career Excellence Co-op is your The student who is totally
Sessions, conducting an responsibility. Make sure mobile will have a great
active job search, you start early! The more advantage! If you restrict
preparing professional effort you put into your your job search to your
and job specific job search the better the hometown, or even the
documents, and results will be. Labour Niagara Region, you will
practicing your interview market and economic greatly reduce your
skills. Use the Co- conditions vary from year chances of finding
operative Education to year, but typically 92% suitable employment.
department services and of eligible students work Typically, 36% of our Co-
seek the advice of your in related employment. op students work outside
Co-op Career the local area. A
Consultant. We are Job search is a willingness to travel and
committed to your competitive process. be flexible expands the
success! Please see Employers make the available opportunities.
page 14 to find out more. decision regarding
selection of candidates You should apply for all
As a Co-operative and the successful positions that will provide
Education student, you applicant. Co-op the type of learning
are expected to apply to students can expect to experience to enhance
postings generated by compete with other your career education.
the Co-operative students from other Be open-minded
Education office in programs and other regarding location and
addition to conducting institutions. Successful duties, and realistic
your own job search. students are those who about wages; expect to
have an up-to-date begin at an entry level
Niagara College cannot resume reviewed by a position. You should also
guarantee each student Co-op Career be prepared to pay for
a Co-op job. The Co- Consultant, and they costs associated with
operative Education conduct an active the job search, such as
office has Employer independent job search appropriate dress and
Relations Consultants

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travel requirements for
interviews.
Prior to applying for
positions, you should
carefully weigh all the
benefits of the
opportunity if you are
considering relocation,
or will incur
transportation costs to
the workplace. It is your
responsibility to make
arrangements for living
and travel requirements.
You are urged to check
College and University
residences for
affordable, temporary
accommodation. You
must also adhere to any
uniform requirements of
the position.
Maintain good
academic standing.
Students must obtain
either a “good standing”
or “academic alert” in
order to proceed to a co-
op work term. Academic
eligibility is based on the
two terms immediately
prior to any work term.
Visit the Niagara College
website - Program
Progression &
Niagara College
Graduation
policy.http://www.niagara
college.ca/practices/inde
x/student-
records/?attachment=nc
800-program-
progression-graduation
Resumes and cover
letters. Must be
professionally formatted,
error free and tailored for
the specific position.
Employers may
request additional
documents.
References, class
schedules, transcripts, or
health and safety
certificates may be asked
to be submitted with your
application.
Academic
Achievement. Some
employers use academic
achievement as a
criterion for hiring. Visit
http://www.niagaracolleg
e.ca/enrolment-and-
registration/registration/tr
anscript-requests/ and
submit a request to the
Office of the Registrar;
please allow time for this
to be processed.
Alternatively, some
employers may accept a
grade report which you
can obtain from your
records on Blackboard.
.
Only those students
selected for an
interview will be
Career Services
7
notified. If selected, you
will receive information
about the interview time
and location from your
Co-op Career Consultant
or the Employer. Some
interviews are held on
campus, but others will
require you to travel to
the job site. Should the
interview conflict with
your class timetable, you
should notify your
professor in advance.
Respond in a timely
manner. You must
confirm or decline your
interview by the time
specified. It is essential
that your resume and
cover letter have
accurate contact
information and that you
respond promptly.
What to do when you
have accepted a Co-op
position. Enter your Co-
op employment
information under I’ve
Been Hired on
MyCareer. (Refer to
Accepting a Job Offer
section).
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in the areas of particular

interest to you.

When you have

accepted a position,
enter your I’ve Been
 Registration for your Co-op Course Hired. (Refer to
Accepting a Job Offer
section)
All students must register for their Co-op Work Term
Course. Prior to the Co-op work term you will receive an
email from NICOLESOS with dates and information. Conditions for
Cooperative
 Completing your I’ve Been Hired Form Education
Employment:
You’ve obtained a position – Congratulations!
1. It is approved by
As soon as you have secured work and prior to starting Niagara College
your position, you must supply information on the Co-operative
employer and your job by submitting an I’ve Been Education. You
Hired form to ensure your Co-op employment is must have approval
documented and approved. of the position prior
to commencing work.
Your Co-op Career Consultant will review the I’ve Been Once you have
Hired information and determine whether the position is accepted
suitable for a Co-op work term in your program of study. employment and it
You will receive an email once your I’ve Been Hired has been approved
has been reviewed. by the Co-operative
Education Office,
Note: Co-op jobs posted to your program by the Co- you are expected to
operative Education Office have already been fulfill the
approved as a suitable Co-op position, however the commitment. If you
I’ve Been Hired form must still be submitted prior to have concerns while
starting work. Any job opportunity found by students on your Co-op work
through their own job search must be reviewed for term, contact your
relevancy and approved by your Co-op Career Co-op Career
Consultant prior to starting work. Consultant
immediately.
The I’ve Been Hired form is found on MyCareer/Co-
op/I’ve Been Hired 2. It is related to the
program of study.
Students Securing operative Education Upon reviewing the
Their Own Position Office, you should I’ve Been Hired
conduct your own active form, your Co-op
In addition to applying for job search. This will Career Consultant
suitable positions that increase your number of will consider the
are posted by the Co- opportunities, especially

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relationship between your program. (Refer Complete your work

academic studies to During the Co-op term in the position for
and the practical Work Term for work which you were
experience being term requirements). approved. Once you
offered in the job. accept a job offer, you
may not leave any
3. It consists of position without
productive duties. discussing the situation
The position must IN ADVANCE with your
consist of hands-on Co-op Career
activities that will Consultant(s), otherwise
allow you to apply failure of your work term
your academic may result. However,
studies and learn your safety is always our
new skills (i.e. not primary concern. We are
just observing). here to help and support
you. If you have
4. It is paid Important concerns while on your
employment. Wage Information about Co-op work term,
rates are negotiated Accepting a Job contact your Co-op
between you and Offer Career Consultant
your employer. Your immediately.
employer must have Be prompt with your
or obtain worker response. A firm job Maintain good
health and liability offer must be accepted relationships and be
insurance for all paid or declined within 48 professional. This is a
work opportunities. hours. Playing one benefit for both the
employer against student, and Niagara
5. It must be another or hedging with College. You may need
evaluated by the hope of finding a to apply to this same
Niagara College better position at a employer for a graduate
and your employer. future date opportunity or ask for a
The work term is demonstrates poor future reference, and
supervised by the judgment and could you want to remain on
employer and jeopardize your good terms with the
monitored by relationship with employer. It is also
Niagara College. employers. This could important to remember
You will submit work cause employers to that the employment
term requirements question your integrity community is highly
and a written and maturity, and networked – word may
evaluation completed perhaps incite travel to other
by the employer for businesses to withdraw prospective employers if
EACH work term. from participating in Co- you do not conduct
You must complete op programs, or from yourself appropriately!
the minimum hour hiring graduates. Any student behaving
requirements for inappropriately toward

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an employer may directed to your for the complete duration

jeopardize their Co-op International Student of the work term.
credit and/or have Advisor Achieving “required
further assistance from hours” does not mean
their Co-op Career During the Co-op your Co-op job is
Consultant withdrawn. complete. Any special
Work Term – accommodations must
Completing Your be discussed with the
Work Term employer at the
beginning of the work
Credit(s) term and written
permission received.
Securing work outside Have a positive
of Canada. You will attitude. The Co-op Know your rights. As
need to complete an work term is an an employee, you have
International Travel and important part of your certain rights in the
Liability Waiver and education. Your workplace which are
upload to the I’ve Been approach to the job will protected by various laws
Hired form. The have a tremendous and are enforced by a
completed form is effect on how much you number of agencies
required prior to gain from the involved in ensuring the
approval of the I’ve experience. It may give workplace is a safe and
Been Hired. The form is you the opportunity to just place to work. If you
available in the I’ve study the operation of a feel your Human Rights
Been Hired page. successful business, or safety are being
employee relations, violated or jeopardized,
International students training techniques, etc. contact your Co-op
studying in Canada This will assist you in Career Consultant
require a Co-op work developing realistic immediately.
permit. BEFORE you career objectives and
start working in your co- gaining valuable skills
op work term, it is your for graduate
responsibility to ensure employment.
that you have all specific
documentation that the Observe the
employer requires for employer’s policies, Do not leave your job. If
you to legally work in procedures, rules and problems develop, or if
Canada. If you do not regulations. the work conditions
already have a Co-op Don’t expect or request change and you have
permit, you must apply any special privileges attempted to resolve the
for the permit three including requests for issue, you should contact
months in advance to time off or “early leave” your Co-op Career
allow enough time for from the workplace. As a Consultant immediately.
processing. Questions Co-op student, you are
regarding Co-op work expected to remain at
permits should be your approved Co-op job

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Employment
Termination. The Accountability. Niagara
employer has the right to College and its
terminate your employees shall not be
employment for just held liable or responsible
cause (i.e. lack of in any way for losses
performance, incurred during your work
inappropriate behaviour, term or for the costs
etc.). If you are incurred in the event of
You may not leave a Co- terminated, contact your termination of your
op job before the work Co-op Career Consultant employment.
term is completed unless immediately.
you have given two
weeks’ notice in writing Unforeseen Submission of
to the employer, and Circumstances. In the documents. Over the
have the permission of event of a work shortage work term, you will
your Co-op Career for any reason, such as complete various
Consultant. In certain plant closing, strike, etc., documents to be graded
situations, and at the you should contact your for your Co-op credit.
discretion of your Co-op Career Consultant Please refer to the
Consultant, you may be immediately. The Requirements for your
able to seek another decision to respect or Work Term section for
position and all or a cross a picket line rests more details.
portion of the hours with you, although your
completed at the first Consultant will be
position may be counted available for guidance.
towards the completion Every attempt will be
of the Co-op made to assist you with
requirement. Leaving a finding an alternative
job without the work opportunity, if
permission of your Co- necessary.
op Career Consultant
may result in NO
CREDIT for the co-op
term. Getting a co-op helped me have a better idea of
what to expect in this type of job. It has helped
me to expand my networking skills and opened
new doors. A co-op is great because you build
a connection and have experience that will
stand out, compared to other people who might
not have the same opportunity.

Niagara College Co-op Student

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MyCareer

MyCareer is the career portal which provides you with all of the information pertaining to
the Career Services department, your Co-operative Education work term information,
and job postings.

You will use MyCareer throughout your studies at Niagara College, so it is important to
become familiar with the site.

To access MyCareer: Log into Blackboard and click on the MyCareer briefcase icon in
the 'My Apps' section.

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Co-op Terms and Conditions

In Co-operative Education and within the work term, we want to promote success and
understanding of the responsibilities on your part, and on the part of the College. You
are required to read and agree to the Co-op Terms and Conditions on MyCareer.
This is also required to access Job Postings, so we suggest you review and agree as
soon as you begin the Co-op process. This must be done for EACH work term.

To access the form, log into MyCareer/Co-op/Terms and Conditions. Click on the
click here link and then read the Terms and Conditions, scroll down and click Accept.

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Preparing For Your Co-operative Education Work Term(s)

Co-operative Education preparation occurs 1 to 3 terms prior to your Co-op work term
and is essential for work term success. Preparation consists of the following:

One on One Appointment. Individual 45 minute appointment with your Co-op Career
Consultant, booked through MyCareer. At this meeting you will have the opportunity to
review the Co-op process, have your specific questions answered, and have your job
search documents reviewed. Job search readiness and strategies will be assessed.

Co-op to Career Excellence Sessions. Six in-class sessions

(a schedule is available on MyCareer). By attending these important Co-op sessions,
you will develop career planning strategies and information on the following topics:

1. Welcome to MyCareer
Understand the department services and overview of the Co-op process

2. Resumes
Develop a professional resume related to your chosen field

3. Cover Letters
Create a professional cover letter and learn to adapt it to a related employment
opportunity

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4. Job Search & Networking

Identify job opportunities and employability skills related to your chosen field;
create a plan for your job search

5. Interviews & Portfolios

Identify strategies to prepare for an interview, demonstrate effective interview
skills, understand the use and components of a career portfolio in the job search
process

6. I’ve Been Hired

Outline requirements for the successful completion of your work term credit(s)
*Students in a degree program, may have a seventh additional week of Co-
op to Career Excellence Sessions.

Co-op to
Career
Excellence
Sessions

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Follow up. This can include ongoing assistance based on the discussion with your Co-
op Career Consultant at the One on One Appointment, with job search tools and
strategies, job search documents, interview skills, identifying and managing Co-op
expectations and conflict resolution.

Co-op to Career Excellence Certificate

Participate in the Co-op sessions
Complete the Co-op to Career Excellence Certificate
Gain credit on your Co-Curricular Record

Find out more at:

https://getinvolved.niagaracollege.ca

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Applying for Co-op Positions Posted on MyCareer:

The following is a guide for applying to Co-op Job Postings. If you have any questions
regarding the job postings, or the application/interview procedure, you should contact your
Co-op Career Consultant.

Job Postings. Co-op job postings are developed for your program by the Co-operative
Education office. Job postings will be posted to MyCareer/Co-op/Job Postings.
Note: Only paid opportunities are posted to the Co-op Job Postings site.

Check MyCareer Regularly. It is your responsibility to be active in your search for

positions. You are encouraged to apply to as many postings as you like that match your
criteria of interest, location and wages, until you have accepted a position.

Application Procedures Vary by Employer. Each job posting outlines the location and
job description, any specific requirements, hours and wages, documents required,
application procedure, and the application closing date. Be sure to follow the application
procedure carefully as instructed:

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1. Direct to Employer: Apply as directed in the Application Information AND click

on the blue “I intend to apply” tab. The employer may request applications
through their website, by email, or in person.

2. Niagara College to Collect and Distribute Electronically. You will need to

create an application package and upload to MyCareer. The Co-operative
Education office will forward applications to the employer.

Step 1:
Create an Application Package:
Click on the Application Packages tab. Click on Upload document. Name the
document, select Document Type, and browse for the file. Click Save to complete
upload. (Please Note: Documents must be in PDF format).
Click on Create Package. Name the package (Helpful Tip: Include the company name
when naming the package). Save.

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Step 2:
Go to the posting, click on Apply for this Position, follow the prompts to upload the
Application Package for the position.

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Accepting a Job Offer

You’ve obtained a position – Congratulations!

As soon as you have secured work and prior to starting your position, you must supply
information on the employer and your job by submitting an I’ve Been Hired form to ensure
your Co-op employment is documented and approved.

Your Co-op Career Consultant will review the I’ve Been Hired information and determine
whether the position is suitable for a Co-op work term in your program of study. You will
receive an email once your I’ve Been Hired has been reviewed.

Note: Co-op jobs posted to your program by the Co-operative Education Office have
already been approved as a suitable Co-op position, however the I’ve Been Hired form
must still be submitted prior to starting work. Any job opportunity found by students
through their own job search must be reviewed for relevancy and approved by your Co-
op Career Consultant prior to starting work.

The I’ve Been Hired form is found on MyCareer/Co-op/I’ve Been Hired

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Enter information into ALL FIELDS of Job Description #1, Scroll down and click on
Submit I’ve Been Hired at the bottom of the screen. Job Description #2 and #3 are to be
used for students with multiple Co-op work terms or jobs.

Only needed for jobs secured through a MyCareer posting

posting

Requirements for Completion of Your Co-op Work Term

The following are requirements for successful completion of the Co-op Work Term
Credit(s). NOTE: If you are in a Co-op program with multiple work terms you must
complete the requirements for each term, even if you remain with the same
employer.

I’ve Been Hired. This online form needs to be filled out as soon as you secure a position,
and PRIOR to starting work. Upon approval, you will receive a confirmation email from
your Co-op Career Consultant. Review your email carefully as it has important dates and
reminders regarding completion of your work term.

Your employer will receive an email from the Employer Relations Consultant. The email
will contain details of your I’ve Been Hired and additional information about the Co-op
process, along with a copy of the Employer Evaluation. It is essential that all information
entered into your I’ve Been Hired is accurate.

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A Work Term Record will be created in MyCareer. Please allow a minimum of 5 business
days from the date of your confirmation email. During busier times of the year, additional
time may be needed for your Work Term Record to be created.
Your Work Term Record is found in MyCareer/Co-op/Learning Objectives, Work Term
Report. Click on your Company Name under Co-op Sequence for the appropriate work
term.

Learning Objectives. This online assignment needs to be completed within three weeks
of starting work in your Co-op job. Learning Objectives are goals that you set for yourself
to be accomplished through your work experience.

To access the Learning Objectives page click on the Work Term Record, Learning
Objectives/Goals/Create. This will open the instructions and the form. Complete the
entire form, scroll to the bottom of the page and click Save.
Please Note: The details will appear as Pending. Once your Co-op Career Consultant
has reviewed and determined that they are acceptable, they will appear as Approved.

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Co-op Monitor/Workplace Monitor. During the work term, you and your employer will be
contacted by your Co-op Career Consultant or the Employer Relations Consultant to
discuss your progress on the job. This will be done either by phone, email, or in-person.
Be sure to respond by the date requested.

Co-op Work Term Report. You will be required to write a 3-5 page report on your Co-op
work term experience and upload the document into your MyCareer/Work Term Record
at the end of the work term.
The report must include all of the following:
 A reflection of your Learning Objectives and a summary of your Co-op
experience, for each Co-op work term(s). It must be 3-5 pages in length,
excluding the cover page, table of contents and pictures.
 A brief overview of the company and description of the products/services it offers.
 Provide an explanation of your major duties and activities, mention in detail any
specific projects that you worked on.

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 Offer feedback that is pertinent to the work experience, and would be beneficial
information for your Co-op Consultant to be aware of. This will be helpful
information for the future.
 Review your Learning Objectives from the start of your work term. Explain how
you met these objectives, what additional knowledge and skills you believe you
acquired, and how this Co-op job has influenced your career goals.

To access the Work Term Report page, click on the Work Term Record, Work Term
Report (Upload Here). Click on Create Record. This will open the instructions and
location to upload your report. Upload Report (in PDF format), scroll down and click Save.

Employer Evaluation Form/Confirmation of Hours. The employer received a copy of

the Evaluation Form with their confirmation email. It provides valuable feedback on your
strengths, as well as your areas for development. Please ask your manager to complete
the form, review with you and return to you at the end of the work term. You can also add
the document to your career portfolio.

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If you are unable to secure the Employer Evaluation from your employer, you will need to
confirm hours through payroll records or an alternative method. Please retain all work
documentation and contact your Co-op Career Consultant if you have questions regarding
this requirement.

Upload your Employer Evaluation/Confirmation of Hours into the Work Term Report
page (see instructions above), scroll down and click on Save.
Please Note: The details will appear as Pending. Once your Co-op Career Consultant
has reviewed and determined that the Work Term Report and Employer
Evaluation/Confirmation of Hours are complete, the details will appear as Approved.

Registration for Your Co-op Course(s)/Grading of Your Work Term

 As a reminder, all students must register for their Co-op Work Term Course. Prior
to the Co-op work term you will receive an email from NICOLESOS with dates and
information.
 You must complete all Co-op Work Term Requirements and submit them by the
deadline dates indicated.
 Your Co-op Consultant will review your submission and will enter a grade at the
completion of the work term. Upon successful completion, you will receive a mark
of “S” (Satisfactory). If the work term requirements are not complete by the end of
the work term, you will receive a “U” (Unsatisfactory) until you are able to complete
the requirements.
Please Note: It is important to keep in touch with your Co-op Career Consultant
regarding any delays in work term requirement completion.
 Co-op is mandatory for graduation from your program, and must be completed as
scheduled in your POI (Program of Instruction). Failure to successfully complete
a work term scheduled in your POI, may delay your graduation date at another
time of the year, or in a following year. In this case, it is your responsibility to
apply for graduation. Additional fees may also be incurred in this instance.
 If you do not complete your work term(s) as scheduled you must meet with your
Co-op Career Consultant to review the circumstances and determine the approach
suited to successful completion of the Co-op work term(s).

Co-op Recognition
Niagara College officially recognizes completion of the Co-operative Education and
graduation requirements. Each successful work term is recognized on the student’s
academic record with the following notation: COOPXXXX – “S” (Satisfactory).

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Resources

A variety of resources can be found on MyCareer including:

 Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit information

 Sample resumes and cover letters
 Forms such as:
 Work Term Report instructions
 Employer Evaluation
 Program Overview Sheets
 Career Events Calendar
 Co-op to Career Excellence Sessions
 InterviewStream
 And more….

CHECK YOUR NIAGARA COLLEGE EMAIL REGULARLY

AND

CHECK MYCAREER FOR:

CAREER EVENTS CO-OP JOB RESOURCES

POSTINGS

Niagara College Career Services 2017/18

 27

Additional assessed as part of your

program tuition fees and Professionalism
Information is non-refundable. Fees
are based on the As a Co-op student, you
Student Loan number of work terms are expected to conduct
Implications required for the yourself in a manner that
successful completion of is respectful. Niagara
All co-op students who your program. College has a
apply for the Ontario Harassment and
Student Assistance The Co-op fee is not a Discrimination policy that
Program (OSAP) should placement fee, but protects students and
determine in advance rather a fee for the staff. For information on
the implications of their range of services the policy, please refer to
Co-op work term(s).The provided by the Career your Student Handbook
Financial Aid Office staff Services Department or consult the College
at Niagara College are before, during and after web site at
available to discuss and your Co-op experience. www.niagaracollege.ca.
answer any questions You are neither
concerning OSAP. assigned nor Any questions or
Please also refer to the guaranteed a co-op job. concerns should be
Niagara College Fees Finding a Co-op job is discussed with your Co-
and Finances site for your responsibility. op Career Consultant,
information on “How to and most can be
Maintain Interest-Free Co-operative Education resolved informally. In
Status”: programs are successful situations where the Co-
due to the shared op student is not
http://www.niagaracolleg responsibilities of the satisfied, Niagara
e.ca/fees- students and the Niagara College has a formal
finances/osap/interest- College Career Services procedure, found in your
free-status/ Department. Take Student Handbook, for
advantage of the all the complaints and
Co-op students who are services and assistance concerns.
receiving financial that is available from the
support from any other Career Services staff.
assistance program
should notify the
assistance provider as
their Co-op earnings
may have an effect on
I chose Niagara College because of the Co-op
their benefits. program, and the hands-on experience that it
provides. I recommend it because the
Cooperative professors and staff are knowledgeable, and
Education Fee help you to achieve your goals through
theoretical and practical skills.
Co-operative Education
is an enrichment for Niagara College Co-op Student
academic programs.
The Co-op fee is

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 28

Frequently Co-op hours vary by Use the tools reviewed

program. Your Co-op at the Co-op to Career
Asked Questions Career Consultant will Excellence Preparation
advise you of the Sessions and seek the
How do I prepare for required hours. These advice of your Co-op
my Co-op? are a minimum number Career Consultant. The
of hours per work term. Ontario Co-operative
The Career Services Co-op students typically Education Tax Credit
department has a work more than the can also be used to
variety of services required hours allowing market yourself to
available to help prepare you to gain more skills, employers.
you for Co-op. This knowledge, networking,
includes a One on One and income. Hours are What is an
appointment with your recorded on the acceptable job for
Co-op Career Employer Evaluation or Co-op? Is there a
Consultant, in-class Co- through payroll records.
minimum wage
op to Career Excellence
Can I work in any amount?
Preparation Sessions,
and follow-up with your country?
All jobs must be pre-
Co-op Career
Yes. You can work approved by your Co-op
Consultant as required.
anywhere you legally Career Consultant.
are able to work. Co-op Enter your job details in
Do I need to achieve your I’ve Been Hired
job postings are usually
a certain GPA in within Canada but you form on MyCareer as
order to complete can conduct your own soon as you secure the
Co-op? job search for positions position and prior to
outside of Canada. All starting work.
Yes. You need to jobs must meet the You need to be paid at
maintain an academic Conditions of Co-op least the minimum wage
standing of either “good Employment. You need according to the
standing” or “academic to enter an I’ve Been employment laws where
alert” in order to proceed Hired and, in addition, you are working. Your
to a co-op work term. we will require an Co-op Career
Academic eligibility is International Travel and Consultant can provide
based on the two terms Liability Waiver (found you with average Co-op
immediately prior to any on MyCareer) prior to wages for your program.
work term. starting work. If you have questions
regarding payment for
Is there a minimum International students Co-op, contact your Co-
op Career Consultant.
number of hours can refer to page 10 for
required? Can I work more information on Co-
more than the hours op work permits. Where do I find Co-
required? How do I op Job Postings?
How do I market Are there Co-op
record my hours?
myself as a Co-op opportunities at
student? Niagara College?
Niagara College Career Services 2017/18
 29

Prior to starting your Co- outline the work term

Employer Relations op you need to submit requirements and
Consultants work hard your job details in the deadline dates, so
to generate Co-op Job I’ve Been Hired form on please read carefully.
Postings that are MyCareer. The I’ve
applicable work Been Hired is found on Please Note: Students
experiences for your MyCareer/Co-op/I’ve with multiple work terms
field of study. Co-op Job Been Hired. need to complete work
Postings are found on term items for each.
MyCareer/Co-op/Job Do I get time off
Postings. Any relevant during my Co-op? How do I upload my
Co-op opportunities for work term
Niagara College would
be posted on the Co-op
You are expected to documents?
complete the work term
Job Postings site.
with your approved Co- Upload your documents
op employer. Co-op in MyCareer by clicking
I don’t have a Co-op students do not typically on your Work Term
job. What do I do? get time off during the Record which can be
work term. found in MyCareer/Co-
In our experience, op/Learning Objectives,
students who apply for Do I need to submit Work Term Report.
Co-op Job Postings and Fill out the Learning
conduct an active job
anything during my
work term? When is Objectives form.
search are successful in For the Work Term
securing a Co-op. By this due? Report and Employer
participating in the Co- Evaluation/Confirmation
op to Career Excellence Yes. You are required to
of Hours worked, save
Preparation Sessions, submit your Learning
your documents as a
One on One Objectives three weeks
PDF and upload into the
appointment, and after starting your Co-
Work Term Report tab.
additional follow up as op, and your Work Term
recommended, you will Report with an Employer
Evaluation/Confirmation
What if I have issues
increase your success.
If you are struggling to of Hours worked at the while at my Co-op?
find work, contact your end of the work term.
These are submitted If you have attempted to
Consultant as soon as
into your Work Term resolve the situation and
you can. Use our
Record on MyCareer. In still have concerns,
services. We’re here to
addition, you will receive please contact your Co-
help!
information regarding a op Career Consultant
Workplace Monitor immediately. We want
How do I report my your Co-op experience
Co-op job? during the work term.
Your I’ve Been Hired to be a positive one!
confirmation email will

Niagara College Career Services 2017/18

 30

Preparation
Log in to MyCareer: agree to Terms and Conditions
Attend One on One appointment
Attend Co-op to Career Excellence Sessions
Co-op to Career Excellence Session Certificate – update Co-Curricular Record
Job Search Documents (Resume, Cover Letter, etc.)
Follow Up as recommended by Co-op Career Consultant
International Students: ensure you have applied for your Co-op Work Permit

Apply for Co-op Positions

Apply to Co-op postings on MyCareer
Conduct active Co-op Job Search
Attend Career Services events and use resources

Register for Co-op Work Term

Watch for NICOLESOS email for dates

Secure Work
Enter I’ve Been Hired
Review confirmation email

During the Work Term

Complete Learning Objectives form in MyCareer (3 weeks into Work Term)
Workplace Monitor
Work Term Report (upload to MyCareer) at end of work term
Employer Evaluation/Confirmation of Hours worked – upload at end of work term
Check MyRecords for Co-op grade

Niagara College Career Services 2017/18