Workplace Education (Co-op) positions may be one of those found by the Co-op Coordinator and posted through the CWE system called ‘‘the Bridge’ or a position found by the Co-op student. Students are encouraged to locate and secure their own work placement.
‘The Bridge’ job postings are a competitive process. In many cases, BCIT’s Co-op students may be competing with students from other post-secondary institutions.
‘The Bridge’ job postings
Co-op students are provided instructions on how to use ‘the Bridge’ by the Co-op Coordinator. These procedures are briefly summarized below:
- Job descriptions are posted on ‘the Bridge’ for a limited period of time as new postings arrive.
- Co-op students are expected to review posted job descriptions on an ongoing basis as to specific position requirements, location, and any other factors which they may consider to be important. It is the student’s responsibility to check ‘the Bridge’ frequently for new job postings.
- Each job description will have a due date for submitting a cover letter and resume for the position. All positions require a cover letter unless otherwise stated.
- Job postings indicate the name of the employer and the specific address. Students who are interested in a particular position will post their cover letter/resume and any other application documents required on “The Bridge” as per the required posting procedures.
- The applications received from interested Co-op students are then forwarded to the prospective employer by CWE staff.
- Employers notify the Co-op Coordinator of the student(s) they wish to interview and suggest convenient times and location where the interview is to take place. Students will be notified of interview schedules. While some interviews will take place on campus, most employers prefer to have students visit their place of business.
- Some employers prefer to arrange interviews with the students directly. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the Co-op students to inform their Co-op Coordinator about the interview(s).
- After the interviewing is complete, the employer submits the name(s) of the student(s) they have chosen. The student is asked to contact the Co-op Coordinator to discuss the job offer.
Accepting a Position
Students are encouraged to consult with their Co-op Coordinator directly during the process of accepting a position.
Once a Co-op student has received a position offer from an employer they are expected to contact the employer to discuss the exact terms of employment. Normally, the employer will formally indicate by letter, the conditions of employment.
When an employer makes a job offer, the student makes a firm commitment to that employer for the period of the placement by signing the Confirmation of the Work Term form.
Tuition Fee
Once a student is placed in a Co-op position, they will be registered by their Co-op Coordinator in the appropriate work term course. Co-op students will be provided specific information by their Co-op Coordinator as to fees and payment processes for their particular course. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that their course tuition fees are paid by the due date.