Policies & Expectations for Employers

Posting Standards

• Provide the Co-op Office with an accurate job description and any available company information. 
• Prepare staff for the arrival of the student and provide a supervisor for the student. This supervisor will oversee the student’s work, set expectations and share feedback.
• Offer competitive wages in accordance with the student’s program, work term level and academic level.
• Honour the terms and conditions agreed to at the time of the job offer including hours, duties and compensation.

Health and safety

• Provide a work environment that is positive, supportive, safe and free of harassment as per the Ontario Human Rights code.
• Uphold responsibilities under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) as with all workers in the organization.
• Communicate with the student’s Co-op Advisor regarding any issues or concerns related to the student and/or the co-op position.

Training

• Provide health and safety training in accordance with The Occupational Health and Safety Act. 
• Advise the students about all issues of confidentiality in the workplace and ensure that any non-disclosure agreements are signed prior to the commencement of work.
• Provide an orientation to the workplace, including an overview of the organization, physical layout, relevant staff, safety practices and the duties or tasks expected during the work term. 
• Ensure the student receives supervision, regular guidance and feedback, and is given the opportunity to learn the job.

Student learning

• Provide the student with a high-quality, program-relevant learning opportunity where they can make a real contribution to the workplace. 
• Work with the student to develop learning objectives and support the student in working towards them. 
• Complete two Employer Evaluation forms (mid-term and final).
  
   

Additional employer information

Eligibility to receive the Cooperative Education Ontario Tax Credit is bounded by the terms outlined by Canada Revenue Agency which administers the program on behalf of Ontario through the federal income tax system. Learn more about available funding supports.

Home-based businesses are not approvable co-op work environments for most programs and require pre-authorization from the Co-op Office.

For programs that support unpaid/volunteer/honorarium job opportunities, employers must provide detailed job descriptions and will be subject to a strict approval process by the Co-op Office.

1. The student will derive greater benefit from the experience than the employer
2. The student will receive training equivalent to which is delivered through their educational program
3. The expectations of the work and the student’s performance are similar to that of an employee of the organization
4. The total work hours should not exceed the minimum required for academic credit, unless otherwise agreed to by all parties
   
    

Every effort is made by the CEIO to ensure students have a positive learning experience while on the work term. Sometimes industry trends and employer needs shape posting and placement activity. The CEIO must respond accordingly and so must students’ expectations. Learning comes in many different forms, and it is sometimes a requirement to adjust one’s expectations given market and employer requirements.

Cooperative education at Sheridan involves a competitive employment process. While the CEIO makes every effort to assist students in gaining employment, there is no guarantee that every student will become employed through the co-op/internship employment process. The CEIO is responsible for the review and approval of co-op/internship job postings, but the CEIO does not assume responsibility for endorsing the companies.

Job opportunities and hiring

• Actively develop new co-op opportunities for students through a variety of job development activities and strategies.
• Secure potential employers and develop job opportunities.
• Validate job postings as program relevant and suitable for co-op.
• Assist employers with the recruitment of Sheridan students including sending resumes, scheduling interviews and processing job offers.

Student support

• Deliver a co-op and internship preparatory course.
• Provide professional career guidance for students.
• Train students in job search and career development skills.
• Discuss work term options and locations with co-op students.
• Work with students before, during and after their work terms to help maximize their education and career experience.

Student grades & records

• Review student grades against academic standards for admission and participation in co-op.
• Evaluate work term assignments and input student grades.
• Maintain co-op and internship student records.

Other

• Provide support to both student and employer during the work term.
• Communicate student and industry feedback to Sheridan program faculty.
• Monitors co-op and internship work terms by checking in with students and employers.

The Academic School

The Academic Department is responsible for all academic components of the co-op or degree program. A CEIO Student Advisor works closely with each Academic Program Coordinator to ensure standards are established and relevant information is shared.