Welcome to our Co-op Employer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, where you can find answers to common queries and gain valuable insights into our co-op program for employers.
At Saint Mary’s Co-operative Education is an optional program. Undergraduate students (Commerce, Science, and Arts) must meet and maintain certain GPA and credit hour requirements depending on faculty.
Yes, you can hire an International student, please refer to the IRCC website for further details.
International students are required to have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Employers may also wish to contact their Human Resources department or hiring managers to review company policies and procedures on hiring International students.
There are many benefits of hiring a Co-op student. Students are available year round and can provide solutions to short term staffing needs. Students are energetic and eager to learn and will bring creative fresh new ideas to the workplace.
Companies can also use the Co-op Program as a recruitment tool to pre-screen future employees. In addition to the above mentioned benefits that any co-op student offers to the workplace, International students can enrich the workplace by providing staff with an opportunity to learn about another culture, they may have other language skills an employer may find useful and like their domestic peers they are eager to make positive contributions.
The Co-operative Education program is a method of learning where students can apply what they have learned in the classroom to real world situations. The Co-op Program is a great opportunity for students to learn and gain hands on work experience from a mentor within your organization.
Students can ask questions and gain knowledge from mentors. As well, mid-way through the work term, a member of our Co-op team will contact you to set up a midpoint evaluation to discuss the student's responsibilities and progress. We also meet with the student to discuss their progress and accomplishments. If you have any questions or comments about the student or the Co-operative Education program at any time, you can contact any member of our team at coop@smu.ca.
In accordance with IRCC requirements, students will no longer be required to obtain a co-op work permit, thus in order to complete their co-op work term, a valid study permit will be required. We encourage employers to require students to upload their most current transcript prior to the start of their work term for proof of enrolment.