Co-op, workstudy, on-campus jobs
Sign in to book an Appointment
Advice, strategies & resources
Employers, post your jobs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Q. Am I eligible for admission to Co-op?
Students should refer to the TRU Online Calendar for the admission criteria used for your program. If you are unsure if you meet the admission criteria, you may request an individual assessment. Stop by the Career Education Department (Old Main 1712) to make an appointment with a co-op coordinator, or make an appointment online here.
Q. What if I miss the deadline to apply to co-op?
Students that miss the last day to register for classes (see TRU Calendar) will have to re apply for the next semester (Dependant on program space)
Q. What is Co-op 1000?
Co-op 1000 is a pre-requisite course that co-op students are required to take and pass before obtaining a work term. The course covers career development-related topics and is intended to give students a strong foundation prior to going out on their first work term. Several sections of Co-op 1000 are offered each semester.
Q. What if I do not pass Co-op 1000?
Students who do not pass Co-op 1000 will not be able to apply for a first work term and will have to repeat co-op 1000 prior to being eligible for a first work-term and elective credit. Students are encouraged to meet with their program
co-op coordinator to discuss individual circumstances.
Q. What if I complete the Co-op 1000 course and do not obtain a Co-op job?
TpThe Co-op work term application process is competitive. Persistence is important and it might take a while for students to secure their first co-op work term. Co-op coordinators are available to assist and support with the application process.
Work Terms
Q. What is a Co-op work term?
The Co-op work term is a credit course that students are enrolled in when they accept an employment offer from a co-op employer. Work terms are paid and last for four, eight or twelve months depending on employer need and student status. Each co-op work term is evaluated as a suitable learning opportunity by the university and students continue to interact with the university for the duration of their employment.
Q. How do students find a co-op work term?
Students can apply to co-op work terms that are advertised through the Career Education department office, or students can find their own co-op work term and have it evaluated and approved as a suitable learning opportunity.
Q. Do I have to pay tuition fee if I find my own co-op position?
Yes.
Q. When are work terms available?
Work terms start in January, May or September and last for four, eight or twelve months. Students in co-op complete their normal academic curriculum while integrating a number of work terms into their program. Students alternate periods of work and study starting and ending on an academic session.
Q. What will I get paid on a work term?
Co-op wages vary depending on the employer, the students level of experience, and year of study. Wages vary between $10 - $24 an hour.
Credit
Q. I have my maximum elective credits already, can I still apply to co-op?
Yes you can still apply for co-op. Your future work terms will count for additive credit.
Q. What is elective and additive credit?
Elective credit means you can count a co-op work term towards your graduation requirements. Additive credit means you will graduate with more credits than required because some of your co-op work terms will not count as electives and not reduce the number of credits you need to graduate.
Q. I am a current co-op student and have completed two work terms already. Can those work terms count for elective credit?
No, elective credit for work terms will be granted starting in January 2011. Credit cannot be backdated.
Q. Do I need to pass my work term to receive credit?
Yes, students must successfully complete a work term to be awarded credit.