Professional Documents
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Overview of Co‐op Education
Computer Application Development (0066)
What is Co‐operative Education?
A Co‐operative Education program at Conestoga is one that formally integrates a student's academic studies
with work experience. Co‐op students have the opportunity to put academic theory and practice into context
by applying those skills in Information Technology related work terms.
Co‐op is a partnership between the student, the college and the employer. Each position evaluated by the
coop office to ensure:
• The student is engaged in productive work and is not merely observing.
• The position is a paid employment opportunity.
• The student's progress on the job is monitored by the co‐operative education institution.
• The student's performance on the job is supervised and evaluated by the student's employer.
Benefits of Co‐op – Is Co‐op Right For You?
• Graduating with co‐op distinction does show potential employers that you are job‐ready and
have related industry experience
• Past co‐op students have also reported that their co‐op experience allowed them to evaluate
career choices and gain a network of industry contacts that can lead into future employment
• Co‐op is an attractive option to earn some income while obtaining an academic credit
• The college cannot guarantee co‐op employment. All students are required to conduct an
independent co‐op job search in addition to jobs posted through the co‐op office.
• Students are encouraged to consider out of town opportunities and are responsible for their
own transportation and associated costs in order to complete work term requirements.
• All co‐op students must abide by the Co‐op Policies and Regulations as they proceed
throughout the co‐op process
Admission Requirements for Co‐op Option
Seats available: 15*
• All applicants apply to the non co‐op program. Students will be informed of the application deadline and
process. Labour market conditions determine co‐op seats in optional co‐op programs. Every student who
meets academic eligibility requirements may not be admitted to the co‐op stream.
• Students interested in applying for Co‐op must achieve a minimum overall 80% session weighted average
in Level 1 with no failed or dropped courses
• *Subject to change
Application Procedure and Deadline
• Students need to submit their application using the LaserFiche form in the Student Portal (Services/My
Forms/Program Transfer Application) by Friday December 11 2020.
Additional Fees
There is an additional Program Service Fee (Co‐op Fee) for students accepted into co‐op. It is approximately
$600.00 and will be due 48 hours after you have been moved to the co‐op stream of Computer Applications
Development. If it is not paid within this timeframe a late fee will be applied by the Fees Office. The
Program Service Fee (Co‐op Fee) for co‐op is NOT refundable. Be aware of the Refund Deadline.
What Does the Co‐op Office Do For Me?
The Co‐op Office supports and advises students that are in a program with mandatory Co‐op Work Term(s) or
in optional Co‐op programs. It is the partnership between the Co‐op Advisor and student that makes Co‐op
students successful. Your Co‐op Advisor:
• Assists with resume and cover letter development, provides instruction on job and workplace
preparedness, mock interviews and job search advice. Your Advisor is also available to meet for
personal appointments and monitors work term progress through eConestoga.
In addition, our office:
• Maintains existing relationships with current employers with phone calls, meetings and email
campaigns to encourage repeat job postings
• Develops new job opportunities and generates interest in Co‐op programs and student’s capabilities
• Encourages new employers to employ Co‐op students
• Works directly with Co‐op students in their self‐directed job search to advocate hiring from your
program
• Holds special events to assist students in finding opportunities through events such as On‐Campus Job
Fair, and Career Fair/Job Fair held at RIM Park in Waterloo. NOTE: Due to COVID‐19 events are virtual.
Co‐op and Career Preparation
Students accepted into the Co‐op stream will be enrolled in, and must successfully complete Co‐op and
Career Preparation (CEPR). CEPR prepares students for the rigorous and competitive employment market by:
• Assisting students in resume/cover letter development
• Job search, interview and labour market assistance
• Personal assistance to students in regards to mock interviews, job search, and self‐marketing
Students cannot go out on a Co‐op Work Term without passing Co‐op and Career Preparation.
Revised October 13 2020‐SA