Hiring co-op students is a cost-effective strategy for small businesses looking for motivated, qualified staff. These programs give students the chance to apply their classroom knowledge to a work setting and gain hands-on experience.
Your business can:
- Access a pool of highly skilled and qualified individuals
- Reduce your recruitment and training costs
- Fill temporary or short-term staffing needs
- Develop and train your future employees
- Build your company’s reputation as a leader in your sector
- Gain fresh ideas from the students
Placements are typically four month terms, depending on the discipline, and begin in May, September, and January.
Employers hiring co-op students and graduates may be eligible for up to $5,000 per student from the Paid Work Experience Tax Credits. Along with the provincial tax credits, there may be government wage subsidies to support your employment of co-op students. Visit Canada.ca - Business Benefits Finder and adjust the filters in the right column to narrow your search.
Co-op programs are offered in many disciplines:
- University of Manitoba:
Engineering
Business,
Agriculture and Food Sciences,
Environmental Studies and Sciences, Physical Geography,
Computer Science
General Sciences
- University of Winnipeg:
All disciplines, including Applied Computer Science, Business and Administration, and Economics.
- Red River College:
Business Information Technology, Chemical and Biosciences Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Greenspace Management, Hospitality, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Technical Communications, Cabinetry and Woodworking Technology
- Canadian Mennonite University:
Business administration
Your journey in hiring a co-op student starts by visiting the above hyperlinks.
CFIB’s Business Counsellors are available to answer CFIB members’ questions. Call 1-888-234-2232 or send an email to [email protected]