2020-7247-Fall-2020-Co-op-Student-Handbook FNL Nov26-003 PDF

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Co-op Handbook Students

“When the only limit is your imagination, your future is unlimited.” Claude Brulé – President and CEO, Algonquin College

Table of Contents COOPERATIVE EDUCATION OVERVIEW CO -OP STUDENT OUTCOMES

CO-OP PROGRAMS AT ALGONQUIN COLLEGE

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10

OPTIONAL CO -OP EDUCATION PRO GRAMS

11

MANDATO RY CO -OP EDUCATIO N PRO GRAMS

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PROCESS, REQUIREMENTS, APPLYING

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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

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TH E APPLICATIO N PRO CESS

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CO-OP STUDENT SUPPORTS CO-OP WORKSHOPS

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8

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THE ENTIRE CO-OP PROCESS

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PREPARATION TERM

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BRIG HTSPACE COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

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READINESS ACTIVITIES

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JOB SEARCH TERM

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CO-OP JOB SEARCH TASKS

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CO-OP JOB SEARCH

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CO -OP JOB APPROVAL

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WORK TERM

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B RIGHTSPACE CO -OP WO RK TERM COURSE

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CO -OP WO RK TERM ASSIGNMENTS

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COMMUNICATION

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CO-OP FEES

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APPENDIX ‘A’

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EL IGIB ILITY CRITERIA FO R APPLICANTS TO CO-O P

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APPENDIX ‘B’

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WORK TERM EVALUATIO N CRITERIA

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APPENDIX ‘C’

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CO -OP STUDENT TERMS AND CONDITIO NS O F PARTICIPATIO N

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Co-op Program Overview

Co-op is the premier form of work-integrated learning available to post-secondary students in Canada. It is a pedagogical approach where students learn from the integration of experiences in educational and workplace settings (Billett, 2009). The key outcome of co-op education is the learning that takes place both in-class, and at work. The usual format is for students to alternate study terms with paid, four-month work terms.

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CO-OP PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Co-op is a partnership involving students, employers, and the College that provides students with work experience to complement their in-class training. YOUR CO-OP EXPERIENCE IS •

Academic credit

•

Paid (minimum wage - $18+/hour)

•

Full-time work (35+ hours per week)

•

Related to your program of study

•

Normally completed between in-class semesters

Employers hire qualified and motivated students to fulfill short-term and future employment needs. As a student, you gain valuable, paid, on-the-job experience and build networks to enhance employment options.

The Co-op Student Outcomes

ON-THE-JOB LEARNING

CO-OP GRADS CAN EARN MORE

Learn valuable skills and industry lessons through paid, work experience that can lead to full-time employment.

Within the first 2 years of graduating, you could earn $2,000 – $8,000 more than graduates without a co-op experience (Walters & Zarifa, 2008).

BUILD INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC CAREER CONNECTIONS

MAKE MONEY BETWEEN IN-CLASS SEMESTERS

Develop relationships within your industry by spending at least one semester working in a full-time paid job related to your program.

Algonquin College co-op students typically earn approximately $10,000+ per work term (Algonquin College, 2016-2017).

EXPLORE YOUR CAREER

GRADUATE

Career decisions can be assisted with the benefit of real-world knowledge and applicable work experience.

97% of students who successfully complete a co-op work term stay in school and graduate at Algonquin College (Algonquin College, 2016).

On-the-job learning Gain valuable work experience through paid, on-the-job training that can lead to full-time employment after graduation.

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Co-op Programs at Algonquin College

OPTIONAL COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS AVAILABILITY

SUMMER

FALL

WINTER

Architectural Technician*

– Cooperative Education is an important component in many programs at Algonquin College. The co-op experience provides you with the opportunity to learn through a paid work experience and acquire additional knowledge and skills related to your career goals and objectives. At Algonquin College, there are a variety programs that have an optional or mandatory co-op component.

Architectural Technology* Biotechnology Advanced Building Construction Technician Business Administration – General Business

Optional Cooperative Education Programs An “optional” co-op program provides students with the choice to complete co-op as they earn their credential. When a student elects to join the co-op program, all work terms within that program are mandatory to progress to any additional co-op work terms, and graduate with a co-op designation.

Mandatory Cooperative Education Programs

Business Administration – International Business* Business Administration – Supply Chain and Operations Management* Business Intelligence Systems Infrastructure Business Marketing* Civil Engineering Technology* Computer Engineering Technology – Computing Science* Computer Programmer* Computer Systems Technician* Construction Engineering Technician* Electrical Engineering Technician/Technology Energy Management*

A “mandatory” co-op program means the students need to complete all co-op work terms in their program to earn a credential and graduate.

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* Depending on intake

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CO-OP PROGRAMS AT ALGONQUIN COLLEGE

OPTIONAL COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS (CONT’D)

MANDATORY COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS

AVAILABILITY

SUMMER

FALL

AVAILABILITY WINTER

SUMMER

Environmental Management & Assessment*

Bachelor of Automation and Robotics (Honours)

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Bachelor of Buidling Science (Honours)

Interdisiplinary Studies in Human Centred Design

Bachelor of Commerce (e-Supply Chain Management) (Honours)

Internet Applications and Web Development*

Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management (Honours)

Mechanical Engineering Technology*

Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours)

Office Administration - Executive

Bachelor of Public Safety (Honours)

Power Technician

Bachelor of Technology (Business Systems Development) (Honours)

Project Management* Regulatory Affairs - Sciences*

Technical Writer*

FALL

*

WINTER

1

*

1

Bachelor of Technology (Digital Health) (Honours) Horticultural Industries *Depending on intake 1 Part-time co-op work terms may be available. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Interactive Media Design*

* Depending on intake

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CO-OP PROGRAMS AT ALGONQUIN COLLEGE

PEMBROKE COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS AVAILABILITY

SUMMER

FALL

WINTER

Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety

Business Computer Systems Technician Environmental Technician Outdoor Adventure Naturalist

Please contact Pembroke Co-op Department at 613-735- 4700 x2814 or email [email protected]

PERTH COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS AVAILABILITY

SUMMER

FALL

WINTER

Business - Agriculture

Alexandra Timotheou, Interactive Media Design. Co-op employer, Payments Canada

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Process, Requirements, Applying

The Cooperative Education Department at Algonquin College acts as an advocate for you with our employer community in an effort to help secure a high-quality co-op experience. The department provides support to ensure an efficient implementation of the co-op process, seeks employer participation, student engagement, job opportunities, and monitors work term performance. To be successful in the co-op program, it is critical that students are full participants in all phases of the co-op process.

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PROCESS, REQUIREME NTS, APPLYING

Eligibility Requriements

The Application Process

To be considered for admission into the co-op program at Algonquin College, you must meet the established eligibility criteria (see Appendix A). All applications are assessed and approved on an individual basis, by the Academic Co-op Coordinator for your program. The Co-op Department, in conjunction with each program of study, may establish intake limits of new co-op students per program.

For optional co-op programs, there will be an online application process that happens before your first scheduled work term online through HireAC. You will be notified by email when the application period is open and provided with instructions on how to apply and the deadline to submit. After the application has closed, the Academic Co-op Coordinator for your program will review all co-op applications. You will receive an email outlining the next steps. Select co-op programs are available for application through the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) and the International Application Portal. If you applied to co-op at the college application stage you do not need to re-apply, but you must maintain the establish eligibility criteria (see Appendix A). The work term periods are at least one full semester during the following months: •

January – April

•

May – August

•

September – December

Felipe MS da Silva, Computer Programmer. Co-op employer, AirShare Inc.

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Co-op Student Supports

– The Co-op Department is here to support you throughout your entire co-op experience at Algonquin College. Our team will prepare you for your co-op job search, help you to successfully secure work term employment, and support you during your co-op work term.

The Co-op Department will post employment opportunities related to your field of study on HireAC.

The department also provides comprehensive co-op development services, including:

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Providing job-search resources; i.e. directories, company profiles, reference materials.

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Orientation to co-op.

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Employment preparation through online Cooperative Education Readiness Activities in Brightspace.

Promoting/hosting networking events.

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Basic guidance for international employment opportunities.

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Facilitating application and selection process; including advertising job openings, sending applications, arranging interviews, and work term monitoring.

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Mediation between employers and co-op students when necessary.

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On-campus co-op workshops that complement the online Cooperative Education Readiness Activities.

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Individual counselling for resumes, cover letters, and interviews.

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Providing information on the security screening process.

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Advising on job search techniques and effective self-marketing strategies.

Work term consultations, including student and employer check-ins

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And more!

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Individual consultations, performance evaluations, and career planning.

Co-op grads can earn more Within the first two years of graduating, co-op grads can earn approximately $2,000 – $8,000 more than graduates without a co-op experience.

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CO-OP STUDE NT SUPPORTS

Co-op Workshops Co-op workshops are offered year-round and held multiple times throughout the semester. You can sign-up on HireAC through the Co-op module, under “Events and Workshops.”

RESUMÉ AND COVER LETTER

LINKEDIN

Your resumé and cover-letter package is the first time a potential employer will see your skills and experience, so it’s very important that it is the best that it can be. In this session you will learn tips and tricks on how to structure and fine-tune your co-op resume and coverletter to help you stand out in your job search.

LinkedIn is a great online tool to help you connect with industry professionals, promote your skills, and stay informed with the latest trends. Learn best practices on creating and improving your LinkedIn profile. Discover how to showcase your skills, manage your online brand, and use your LinkedIn profile in your co-op job search.

JOB SEARCH AND NETWORKING SKILLS

INTERVIEW PREPARATION

Your network is the single best resource you have for job hunting. Build your networking skills to open other avenues to be successful in your co-op job search. Learn how to find networking opportunities, personalize your elevator pitch, and develop a job search strategy.

The job interview is your first real opportunity to meet with HR or hiring managers at the organization you want to work for. Learn how to prepare for an interview by reviewing the four stages of a typical professional interview. Find out how to improve your communication skills, develop interview response strategies, and ask good questions in an interview situation.

Hanish Kanda, Computer Programmer. Co-op employer, Ribbon Communications.

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The Entire Co-op Process

Your co-op experience is a minimum of 12 months. During this time you will work with the Algonquin College Co-op Department in three distinct phases: •

Preparation Term

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Job Search Term

•

Work Term

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Preparation Term

Brightspace - Cooperative Education Readiness Activities In this Brightspace module you will be guided through a series of activities which will prepare you for your co-op job search. You’ll learn co-op policies and procedures related to searching and securing a work term opportunity. You’ll identify your strengths and transferable skills, and participate in workshop style sessions that focus on cover letter and resumé development, interview techniques, and job search strategies. You’ll also gain access to and learn how to navigate HireAC where employers post co-op job opportunities.

– The first and most important phase of co-op is the preparation term. During this period you’ll complete Cooperative Education Readiness Activities online in Brightspace where you will learn how to fine tune a resumé, write an amazing cover letter customized to the job, network with ease, and learn how to win in an interview.

For international students enrolled in the co-op program, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires you to have a valid co-op work permit before starting your work experience. It is imperative that you apply for your co-op work permit in the beginning of your co-op preparation term to allow sufficient time for processing. Co-op employers may request proof of your co-op work permit during the interview process.

TO HELP IN YOUR PREPARATION TERM, YOU WILL BE COMPLETING ONLINE LEARNING IN BRIGHTSPACE. THE MAIN TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:

INTRODUCTION TO THE COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM

COMMUNICATING YOUR STRENGTHS

ESSENTIAL STEPS OF A SUCCESSFUL JOB HUNT

RECOGNIZING YOUR STRENGTHS

PREPARATION FOR INTERVIEWS

WORKPLACE ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

BY THE END OF THE PREPARATION SEMESTER, YOU WILL HAVE COMPLETED THE FOLLOWING:

ATTENDED AN ORIENTATION SESSION

PREPARED A RESUMÉ AND COVER LETTER

During the first month of your preparation semester, you will attend an orientation session with a co-op representative.

You will upload your resumé to Brightspace midway through the semester. Co-op Student Advisors review all resumés and cover letters and provide feedback before you are able to view co-op jobs on HireAC.

COMPLETED “COOPERATIVE EDUCATION READINESS ACTIVITIES”

Reviewed learning modules and completed required activities.

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COMPLETED INDUSTRY RESEARCH

Create a list of the top five companies you would like to work for, and research them.

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Job Search Term

Co-op Job Search Tasks

BY THE END OF THE JOB SEARCH TERM, YOU WILL HAVE COMPLETED THE FOLLOWING TASKS:

– You’ve updated your resumé. You’ve written your cover letter. You’ve recognized your strengths, and learned how to communicate them. Now it’s time to apply for jobs and interview for your co-op work term employment.

In your job search term, you will apply for jobs on HireAC and conduct your own self-directed job search. The Co-op Department is here to help you throughout your job search to ensure you are successful in securing co-op employment.

REFRESH YOUR KNOWLEDGE

ATTENDED CO-OP WORKSHOPS

Review your materials from your Co-op Preparation semester and complete optional readings. You will continue to have access to the Cooperative Education Readiness Activities in Brightspace.

You are encouraged to take advantage of regular co-op workshops held on campus to help you secure co-op employment. You can book your spot on HireAC under “Events and Workshops.”

JOB SEARCH

CHECKED ALGONQUIN EMAIL DAILY

Check for new jobs on HireAC daily. A good target is to apply for 20% of jobs offered on HireAC. Only apply to jobs that you would be interested interviewing for and working during your work term.

You will be contacted with interview requests, updates, and job offers through your AlgonquinLive student email. You are encouraged to check your email multiple times per day. Ensure that you communicate with your Co-op Student Advisor on a regular basis and address any concerns you may have.

Build industry-specific career connections Develop industry relationships by spending at least one semester working in a full-time paid job related to your program.

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CO-OP PROGRAM TERMS

Co-op Job Search

SELF-DIRECTED JOB SEARCH

The Co-op Department is committed to assisting in finding you an appropriate work term. However, it is each student’s responsibility to secure work term employment through a traditional job application and interview process.

You are encouraged to conduct a self-directed job search and directly approach employers who may not have posted on HireAC but with whom you would like to work. Take advantage of our co-op workshops to learn how to approach industry professionals and showcase your skills.

CO-OP JOB POSTINGS CO-OP JOB INTERVIEWS The Co-op Department will post available employment opportunities on HireAC. These job postings will be made available after you have completed the Cooperative Education Readiness Activities. Some tips for success include: •

•

•

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Review and assess all co-op job postings related to your program of study. If the...