Trinity Western University

Co-op Education

What is co-operative education?

Co-operative education combines full-time study with related employment. Students, employers, and the University work together so students can enhance their course work with practical experience.

  • Full-time paid employment
  • Usually for 4 months at a time (e.g. spring, summer or fall)
  • Some employers require two 4 month work terms back-to-back
  • Co-op placements are based on a student's field of study allowing them to put into practice what they are learning in the classroom.
  • Students can have as few as one co-op work term and as many as five. If a student desires to complete the Co-op Program here at TWU they must complete a minimum of 3 work terms. After completion they receive a notation on their transcript.

If you are not sure if co-operative education is right for you set-up an appointment to find out more. Call (604) 513-2017 or email experience@twu.ca

Please note: You must currently be enrolled as a undergraduate full-time student at Trinity Western University in order to enroll in the Co-operative Education Program. Application and acceptance into the Program must occur before you have completed 90 semester hours.

To find out more read the Co-op Student Handbook or click on one of the questions below:

What are the benefits of being a Co-Op student?
How long is a work term and how many are required?
Do I receive credit for a co-op work term?
Who qualifies for the co-op program?
Do I get paid for my work experience?
What happens if I do not complete a work term?
What programs offer co-op?
Where have students completed work terms?
Can international students enroll in co-op?

 

What are the benefits of being a Co-Op student?

    • Helps you confirm interests and what you may or may not want to pursue as a career.
    • Enables you to contextualize your course work.
    • Builds self-confidence, professionalism while exposing you to the work field.
    • Eases your transition from the education environment to the workplace.
    • May lead to full-time employment.

How long is a work term and how many are required?

Each work term represents 400 - 640 hours of discipline-related work, which is equal to working for one semester. You may customize your co-op program according to your needs or the needs of your employer by:

    1. Scheduling your work term during the fall, spring or summer semester(registration for a work term must be received prior to the add/drop date of the semester preceding your work term).
    2. Completing multiple work terms back-to-back (e.g. fall & spring semesters, spring & summer semester, etc.). 
    3. Students must complete 3 work terms (a total of 12 months) in order to receive a notation on their diploma. Students can choose to take up to 5 work terms (20 months).

Do I receive credit for a co-op work term?

No, academic credit is not given for co-op, however work terms are recorded on your transcript if you complete the requirements of the co-op program.

To receive the certificate, you must successfully:

    • Complete three work terms;
    • Earn favorable employer evaluations;
    • Receive passing grades on each work term report;
    • Satisfactorily complete the 1 credit course Career Prep 100.

Who qualifies for the co-op program?

Most majors require you to complete a minimum of three study terms before you are eligible to participate in a work term (i.e. you must be a second year student heading into your second semester).

Selection into the program is based on:

    • Academic performance-minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 except for English where a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 is required. In order to qualify for the co-op  program in Chemistry, the student must have a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.7 and must have received an average lab mark of 80% in chemistry lab courses over the past 12 months.
    • Semester hours earned - those who have already completed 90 semester hours or more can not enroll in the co-op program. For those with over 90 semesters hours think about possibly doing an internship or possibly volunteer to gain some additional experience.
    • Communication skills
    • Attitude/motivation
    • Entrance Interview

Do I get paid for my work experience?

Yes. Your salary will be current and competitive, though it will vary among employers. The Career Experience Office requests employers to pay a fair wage based on qualifications and the nature of the work.

How do I find a co-operative education work placement?

To ensure your co-op work placement lines up with your career goals, The Career Experience Office empowers you to find your own work placement in a company that interests you.

To begin this exciting search come by the Student Success Centre for help in developing a professional resume and to receive tips for job interviews. You can search for co-op jobs in a variety of ways to start check out TWU Career Connect!

What happens if I do not complete a work term?

Not completing a work term constitutes a failing grade (F) that will go on your transcript.  Once you have failed a work term, you will not be able to continue with the Co-op Program.

What programs offer co-operative education?

TWU presently offers co-op programs in:

    • Biology
    • Business (all specializations)
    • Chemistry
    • Communications
    • Drama
    • English
    • Environmental Studies
    • Geography
    • Human Kinetics
    • International Studies
    • Linguistics
    • Music
    • Nursing
    • Political Science
    • Psychology
    • Religious Studies

Where have students completed work terms?

In the past, we've placed students in these organizations:

    • Athletes in Action
    • Axis Interactive Design
    • Bank of Montreal
    • Barnabas Family Ministries
    • CIBC
    • City of Surrey: Parks and Recreation
    • City of Missassauga
    • Delta Recycling Society
    • DuPont
    • Environment Canada
    • Class Software Solutions
    • First Heritage Credit Union
    • Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans: Small Craft Harbours
    • Focus on the Family Canada
    • Growthexperts.com
    • HSBC
    • IBM Canada
    • Industry Canada
    • KPMG
    • Lau, Twui & Co. Accountants
    • McMurray, Roberts Heming & Weyland
    • Price Waterhouse Cooper
    • Reachout Expeditions
    • Royal Bank of Canada
    • Samaritan's Purse
    • Science Council of BC
    • SPARA
    • Surrey Community Services
    • Surrey Metro Savings
    • Vancouver Fire Prevention

Can international students enroll in co-op?

Yes. International students may obtain an Employment Authorization Permit when they are accepted into the co-op program. This authorization is good only for an approved off-campus work term. It is the student's responsibility to obtain the Employment Authorization Form from Canada Immigration. International students must apply for and receive employment authorization before they begin a co-op work term in Canada. You must maintain full time continuous student status to remain in the Co-op Program which means you either have to be enrolled in TWU courses or be enrolled in a full-time work term.