Careers Hub

Co-operative Education

The Co-operative (co-op) Education Program at Okanagan College offers required and elective co-op for a wide variety of academic and vocational programs. Co-op students extend educational knowledge with work-integrated learning, to further reinforce academic learning and professional development. Immersion into related employment opportunities develop skill ability, gain professional experience, and network. 

Employers, simplifying the process of hiring a co-op student into your organization and accessing their talents is made effortless with our new web-based recruitment tool, Careers Hub. With over 15 academic and vocational programs, and students from all levels of coursework, Okanagan College student talent is diverse and skilled, offering a wide range of skills and fresh perspectives to enhance your organization. Co-op students can help bridge staffing gaps, tackle projects and events, and even become your next new graduate hire. By welcoming co-op students into your workforce, you also benefit from the guidance and support of our dedicated Careers Hub Coordinators, who facilitate employment connections and assist in finding the right fit for your organization. 

Co-op Process Overview
culinary arts student with apron and cooking cap sprinkling product onto table surface

Student Workshops and Drop-in Sessions

Students, connect with a coordinator to help support your pre-employment journey.  We offer virtual drop-in sessions two times a week to assist you with resumes, cover letters, mock interviews, approaches to networking and job search, or if you want to find out more about co-op. Careers Hub regularly schedules Career Skills job search and employment readiness presentations. For the latest, please visit OC events, your Careers Hub events or the OC Careers Hub webpage. 

Employers please visit our Hire OC page for more details on how to connect with us.

View workshop and drop-in schedule

Discover more

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Careers Hub

Careers Hub job boards and more to connect students, employers & community
student at okanagan college
Hire an OC student

Hire an Okanagan College student to join your team for all types of employment.
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Resources

Pre-employment resources including resume examples, guides and more.
Student stood outside Centre for Learning Kelowna
On-campus employment

OC Jobs for OC Students

Apply for co-op

The Co-op student handbook provides more details about co-op and entry requirements. You can access the handbook and FAQ's below.

Student handbook
Co-operative education applications are completed in Careers Hub
  1. Careers Hub is accessed through the myOkanagan portal.
  2. Click the Careers Hub link in the 'My Programs' section.
  3. Complete the Co-op Pathway steps & the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) application form.

First semester students please note:  First semester cumulative GPA results are required to assess co-op applications, apply at the end of first semester. 

If you need assistance please email or join a drop-in session, we are happy to help you.

Student handbook & FAQ's

Student handbook

  • Beat the “Catch 22” – you need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience.
  • “Test the waters” in a chosen field and assess the suitability of your career choice before entering the workforce full-time.
  • Apply academic knowledge and theoretical concepts to a practical work setting which makes learning more interesting.
  • Earn a salary to help finance your education.
  • Gain important soft skills (such as communications, team work, cooperation, and interpersonal skills) essential in today's work environment.
  • Learn more about the expectations and needs of employers.
  • Develop independence and maturity.
  • Take advantage of networking and mentoring opportunities.
  • Enhance your resume writing, job search and interview skills.
  • Acquire relevant work experience which is a plus when applying to graduate school.

Careers Hub is dedicated to providing information and services that can significantly enhance your career and employment prospects. Our department serves as a vital link between employers and students, offering a powerful and effective tool for co-op students to secure work term opportunities. 

  • Assist students with finding Work-Integrated learning opportunities.
  • Assist in the development of student job search, resume and cover letter skill building.
  • Conduct a midterm check-in to assess the job and the student's work and learning potential of the position.
  • Collaborate closely with the academic departments to ensure students' jobs are relatable to the program content
  • Through co-op initiatives, we ensure that OC programs provide students with skills needed in business and industry. 

Careers Hub provides all OC students and graduates: 

  • Access to job postings & employment resources
  • Sample resumes, interview tips, announcements/messages
  • Interview schedules & employer presentations
  • Information about the Annual Careers Expo & Employment Fair  

Co-op Work Term Fee Structure

The program tuition does not include the various costs associated with offering co-op. Students who participate in co-op will be required to pay the following fees:

  • Co-op Application Fee - Co-op application fee is a one-time non-refundable application fee. (noted in application)
  • Co-op Work Term Fee - Co-op students will be required to pay the co-op work term fee for each four-month work term. (noted in application)
  • Students returning to the same employer for successive work terms will be required to pay the co-op work term fee for each four-month work term.
  • The co-op work term fee is not a placement fee. All students with an approved co-op application and whose employment is considered a co-op work term will be required to pay the co-op student and work term fees.
  • Co-op fees are in place at all post-secondary institutions in Canada that offer co-op programs.

Relocation for Co-op Work Terms

For certain programs, you are strongly encouraged to be willing to relocate for your work terms.

The job market is driven by many factors, which are outside the control of Careers Hub. Some employers are supportive in relocation matters such as assisting with accommodation searching. Experience has proven that if you are willing to relocate for the work term the rewards far outweigh the inconvenience.

The chances of securing a co-op job may be increased if you apply to as many posting as possible and are willing to relocate.

Co-op Work Terms Salaries

Wage rates are established by the employer, not by Careers Hub.

The wage rates will vary by program and work site. Students in the same program will receive varying work term pay rates.

B.C. Medical Coverage

B.C. Medical Coverage is a requirement for work term participation.

Employers expect that you have basic medical coverage prior to starting your work term.

Student Health & Dental Plan

The Student Health & Dental Plan is administered by the OC Student Union. Co-op students who have opted for the plan are encouraged to confirm the status of their coverage while on work terms. The Student Association staff will be able to answer questions about the plan and coverage. See the Student Health & Dental Plan website for more information.

Student Loans

Co-op students applying for government assistance (student loans, grants, interest free status etc.) are encouraged to contact the Financial Awards Office to determine next steps.

Students in co-op work terms are eligible to have their student loans placed in interest-free status for the duration of the work term(s), as Okanagan College classifies you as a full-time student during your work-term.

Please refer to: Government Student Loans and Grants

Your student loan if your responsibility. If you are not sure about your situation, please contact the Financial Awards office.

Registering for Academic Terms

Co-op students are responsible for ensuring that the residence/ mailing address information provided to the Registrar's Admissions' Office is kept up to date and accurate.

Students are responsible for ensuring they are registered in the appropriate courses following their work term(s).

Communication with Careers Hub

You are expected to maintain communication with Careers Hub on all matters pertinent to participation in the co-op component of your program.

Upon your return to OC after each co-op work term, please ensure that you have completed all required steps through your Careers Hub pathway. 

The Co-op Advantage

Your co-op work experience will be included on your transcript as pass/fail. Employers throughout Canada and around the world are recognizing the added value a graduate from a co-op program can bring to an organization. 

Resume and Cover Letters

Please review the resources on your Careers Hub account and consider attending a workshop, scheduled under "Events" in Careers Hub. 

A resume and cover letter are required to apply for all co-op jobs, and most employment generally. 

Co-op Job Postings

Co-op jobs are posted by employers to the Careers Hub job board. Co-op job development and networking with employers to promote OC co-op programs, students and graduates is an ongoing activity for Careers Hub. 

Employers traditionally start recruiting co-op students during the four month time frame prior to the start of the work term. Therefore, co-op students can expect to see job postings during this time frame.

Each job posting will have specific details about the opportunity, skills required, start and finish times, wage details and a deadline date for applicants. 

Channels of Communication

The channels of communication are established with employers recruiting through Careers Hub. Students are not to seek employment directly with a participating co-op employer unless specific arrangements are made with the co-op coordinator, such as where students apply directly to employer. Students are not permitted to circumvent the outlined job competition process.

Co-op Job Interview Process

Co-op job interview dates and times are determined by the employer. Interviews are arranged by employers. 

Employers normally interview on campus, at their place of business or by video call. 

Co-op Job Offers

Employers normally contact students directly with a job offer. The student then contacts the employer to accept the job offer and discuss any details that need to be clarified.

Work Term Requirements

Work terms are noted on your academic transcript as pass/fail.

To achieve a "pass" on a Co-op work term, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Complete work terms according to contract/agreement
  • Complete Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Online Learning Modules (OLM): Preparing Co-op Students for Success in the Workplace
  • Complete a midterm check-in and monitoring visit
  • Complete work term report
  • Ensure the employer completes and submits the employer evaluation of student form 

Securing a Co-op Job

Generating Opportunities:

Careers Hub generates employment opportunities; however, some students will find their own jobs. In the latter situation, students must report their co-op on Careers Hub and there may be further discussion regarding suitability. 

Job Offers

Job offers should be accepted or rejected within 24 hours, or by special arrangements with the co-op office.

Accepting a Job

When the employer makes a job offer, the student makes a firm commitment to that employer. Once a co-op job offer is accepted, the student is removed from other job competitions they may have entered and will not be eligible for future job competitions for that work term. Just as employers do not make firm offers hoping to find someone better later on, neither will students be allowed to play one employer against another. Failure to honour a commitment will lead to withdrawal from work term activity. 

Co-op students should consider all aspects of an employment opportunity before entering a job competition. Once the student has entered a co-op job competition and secured an interview they will normally be expected to accept a resulting offer of employment. If, after the interview, the students decides not to accept an offer from that employer, they must inform Careers Hub staff immediately so that arrangements can be made to have their name removed from that particular competition.

Rejecting a Job

Some job offers may, for certain valid reasons, be unacceptable to a student. However, the following points should be considered before rejecting a job offer:

  • When the student applies for a co-op job, it is assumed that, based on the job description, the student is prepared to make a commitment and accept the job offer.
  • Rejection of two job offers, for no valid reason, will remove a student from the competition for Careers Hub generated jobs for that work term.

Students are required to discuss their decision to reject a co-op job offer with Careers Hub staff before rejecting the offer.

Co-op Work Term Evaluation

Employer Evaluation of the Student:

Each employer will be asked to provide a written evaluation of student performance to the College at the completion of each work term.

Employers will also provide feedback on:

  • The student's outstanding qualities.
  • The qualities which the student should strive most to improve.

Midterm Check-in

A member of Careers Hub staff will conduct a midterm check-in with the student and employer during their work term. The student's performance will be discussed.

The Work Term Report

Each student participating in a Co-op work term is required to complete a work term report. (See Appendix A for Work Term Report details/format.)

Purpose

Each student participating in a co-op work term is required to complete a work term report. 

  1. To provide the opportunity for the student to analyze his/her work experience.
  2. To provide practice in written communication skills.
  3. To provide feedback to the employer, program faculty and Careers Hub.

Format

The report will consist of approximately 1 page (point form).

Content

The report will be broken down into the following sections:

  1. The Employer – A discussion of the employer covering the following topics:
    • Ownership
    • Size
    • Company/department structures (use organization chart)p
    • products and/or services
    • Markets if applicable
      • Include brochures or other pertinent handout material from the organization.
  2. The Co-op Job – A detailed description of your role in the organization and your duties for your work term, i.e. assignments, projects, routine duties, etc.
  3. Personal Observations – All ideas are to be dealt with in a positive, constructive manner
    • What did you learn about your strengths and the areas which need improvements (technically, personally)?
    • How has the work term affected your career goals?
    • Explain what academic courses you found useful on your job. Note areas where academic preparation was inadequate.
  4. Conclusions and/or Recommendations – Final Remarks

Steps in Writing Your Work Term Report

The report will consist of approximately 1 page (point form).

Each student participating in a Co-op work term is required to complete a work term report. (See Appendix A for Work Term Report details/format.)

  1. Discuss your work term report with your supervisor early in your work term and with your Co-op Coordinator at the time of the on-site visit.
  2. The Co-op Job
  3. Personal Observations
  4. Submit work term report through your Careers Hub account or by email (careershub@okanagan.bc.ca). If you’re working with the same employer for back-to-back work terms, only one report is required.

Note: Submission of a work term report is required to validate transcript credit.

FAQ's

Co-operative education is paid work in the field the student is studying. Students alternate academic terms with relevant, paid full-time work experience.

  • Business Degree 
  • Computer Information Systems Diploma and Degree
  • Technology Diplomas:
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Infrastructure and Computing
    • Electronic Engineering
    • Water Engineering
  • Animation Diploma
  • Kinesiology Diploma
  • Programs with Mandatory Co-op work terms are:
    • Culinary Arts Certificate & Management Diploma
    • Pastry Arts Certificate

 

Students in programs with a co-op option are eligible to complete work terms after the successful completion of at least two full-time semesters of study. Students must also be returning for at least one full-time semester of academic study after their co-op work term(s). The following are minimum GPA requirements to participate in co-op: 

  • Computer Information Systems Degree and Diploma - 65%
  • Business Administration Degree - 65%
  • Business Administration Post-Baccalaureate (eligible programs) - 60%
  • Engineering Technology Diplomas - 60%
  • Animation Diploma - 60%
  • Kinesiology Diploma - 70% 

Students in programs with mandatory co-op work terms must "pass" their classes/course work in order to begin the work term. 

Careers Hub is open to job postings across Canada. 

  • Many of our jobs are posted for the Okanagan Valley.
  • Wages range from $17.85 (BC minimum wage) to $35 per hour depending on the company you are working for, the industry and location.
    • Common range is $18-24 per hour.
    • Employers are encouraged to include the wage or wage range in job postings and to consider the living wage for the region where employment occurs. 

 

  • One time application fee of $102.96 
    • Billed to your student account shortly after applying.
  • $343.20 (per work-term, 12-16 weeks of full-time paid employment) applied near the start of the co-op work term.
  • No fee to apply for an IRCC Co-op Work Permit (verify on IRCC website).
  • Apply for co-op at the end of your first academic term, after at least one full-time semester of grades are available to assess your GPA. Students further into academic training can apply for co-op as long as there is a full-time semester of studies to return back to after a co-op work term. Students cannot graduate ending on a co-op work term.
  • Students apply for co-op through their Careers Hub account. Under Work Integrated Learning, please submit a new application. If you do not have access to Work Integrated Learning in Careers Hub, please email careershub@okanagan.bc.ca. 
  • Cumulative GPA eligibility is verified at the end of the term, if your GPA meets requirements and other eligibility criteria then co-op program acceptance is initiated.
  • For international students who apply for Okanagan College co-op, please recognize that there is an additional requirement of an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Co-op Work Permit. Please note it may take up to four (4 ) months to receive a co-op work permit once an IRCC application has been submitted.  If OC co-op eligibility criteria are met, a conditional co-op program acceptance and Okanagan College support letter will be provided to submit with an IRCC Co-op Work Permit application. Work is not permitted to begin until you have received your physical co-op work permit and a copy has been uploaded to your Careers Hub account. 

Work terms are available:

  • January – April
  • May – August
  • September – December

Please note job postings for co-op are typically posted 1-3 months in advance of a co-op start date by employers. 

Culinary and Pastry Arts students are required to complete 10-week co-op terms; the dates of which vary according to intake and scheduling. Please check with the deparment for specifics. 

Students are responsible for their own job search and applying on opportunities. Please follow application instructions for all posted positions, including those on Careers Hub. Some employers may ask that you submit through Careers Hub, while others may direct you to an external website or email address. 

Students are encouraged to take advantage of the resume, cover letter, and interview preparation resources on Careers Hub - including templates and a mock interview simulator. Students are welcome to attend a Careers Hub virtual drop-in session with their job application documents for a personal review. 

Co-op jobs must be approved before students accept employment. Co-op jobs that are featured on Careers Hub are pre-approved positions. Students who find their own co-op job must get in touch with Careers Hub staff to ensure that the opportunity qualifies as a co-op by sufficiently supporting their academic studies.

Co-op jobs provide students with work experience to complement their in-class training. Therefore, a co-op job could be any full-time, 4 month term position which relates to your program of study and provides opportunity to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical activities. 

Okanagan College will not retroactively approve co-op jobs after a student has already completed their work term(s). 

Taking courses while on a co-op work term is not recommended. Supporting rationale is that dedication to position learning and growth should be the primary student focus and reason for engaging in Work Integrated Learning (WIL), such as co-op employment. Employers are engaging student talent with the belief that the work opportunity and skill expansion is the driver behind the desire to hire a co-op student and it can become problematic to balance educational and careers development pursuits simultaneously.

Students may have personal health and wellness-related needs they are uncertain about sharing with a prospective co-op employer; every person and situation is unique. Coordinators can provide materials and resources to help you navigate your personal choices when communicating your needs to an employer. Centre staff honour and respect individual choices and the right to privacy.

Requesting Employer Accommodations

Accommodations or a work adjustment may be required to help you bring your best self to the co-op workplace. Students may have OC educational accommodations

in place that need to be upheld in a co-op work environment. Other times, accommodation needs may be independent of an educational accommodation but required in a work setting.

Co-op accommodations are typically managed directly between the student and employer; however, occasionally additional support is required. Connect with Coordinators if you would like information or assistance in this area.

Under the new Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rules effective April 1, 2026, international students no longer require a separate co-op work permit to participate in mandatory student work placements (such as co-op placements, internships, or practicums).

Upon arrival to Canada students are advised to review their study permit at the port of entry and request that the immigration officer add the co‑op work permit authorization if it is missing.

Returning students who do not have a co‑op work permit must apply for an amendment to their study permit.

Click here for more information for completing co-op as an international student.

Co-op program brochures

culinary student plates food on dish in the kitchen
Culinary Arts
three student in high-visual vests working outside
Civil Engineering Technology
two students working in electrical engineering lab
Electronic Engineering Technology
powdered sugar sprinkled over baking
Pastry Arts
male student standing with water technology
Water Engineering Technology
two students sitting at table and reading textbook
Business Administration
Animation student working on a computer in the studio classroom
Animation
student with nail gun putting together wood
Sustainable Building Technology
student sitting at a computer with papers
Computer Information Systems
Student spotting another OC Kinesiology student lifting dumbell weights in a gym
Kinesiology
three students working on mechanical engineering project
Mechanical Engineering Technology
student standing with books inside
Infrastructure and Computing Technology

Resources

Workshops and Drop-in sessions

Virtual drop-in

Virtual drop-in sessions are available for students from all campuses Please visit your Careers Hub events or the Careers Hub webpage for days/times/links. 

Meet with us for:
- Questions about your resume and cover letter
- Preparing for interviews
- Using your LinkedIn profile to its full potential
- Job search strategies
- Questions about co-operative education programs
- Other pre-employment issues you may be experiencing

Drop-ins are for 10 minutes per student, you will arrive in the waiting room, if the coordinator is available they will admit you. Depending on how many students who are in the waiting room will determine how long your wait is. Where possible we will add additional coordinators to ease wait times.

These drop-in sessions are ONLY available for Okanagan College students and recent graduates. You will be asked to provide your name,  student ID and program information. 

Virtual Presentations

Careers Hub regularly schedules Career Skills job search and employment readiness presentations. For the latest, please visit OC Events or Events in your Careers Hub events. 

Join a Monday Drop-in Session Join a Friday Drop-in Session

Resume Building

Job Search Guides

Events

Events
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10
Jul
Careers Hub Virtual Drop-In - Fridays
Online campus
17
Jul
Careers Hub Virtual Drop-In - Fridays
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24
Jul
Careers Hub Virtual Drop-In - Fridays
Online campus
31
Jul
Careers Hub Virtual Drop-In - Fridays
Online campus
07
Aug
Careers Hub Virtual Drop-In - Fridays
Online campus
11
Aug
Open Studies - Virtual Info Session
Online campus
14
Aug
Careers Hub Virtual Drop-In - Fridays
Online campus
21
Aug
Careers Hub Virtual Drop-In - Fridays
Online campus
28
Aug
Careers Hub Virtual Drop-In - Fridays
Online campus
04
Sep
Careers Hub Virtual Drop-In - Fridays
Online campus
11
Sep
Careers Hub Virtual Drop-In - Fridays
Online campus
18
Sep
Careers Hub Virtual Drop-In - Fridays
Online campus
Careers Hub
Address

1000 KLO Road
Kelowna BC V1Y 4X8
Canada

Phone
250-762-5445
1-877-755-2266 (toll-free)
Email
careershub@okanagan.bc.ca
Office Hours
Sunday: Closed
Monday - Friday: 8:00-4:00
Saturday: Closed