Work Experience Policy

Requirements & Process Before Starting Work Experience

• Valid Permits: The student must hold a valid Study Permit and Co-op Work Permit that covers the entire duration of both the study and work portions of the program.

• Academic Requirements: Students must have successfully completed the required academic courses and be in good academic standing to be considered for work experience. Exceptions may be considered in extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the College.

• Canadian Job Search Skills and Strategies: Students must complete these courses before beginning the work experience component.

• Meetings: Individual or group meetings will be organized to review findings, identify co-op success strategies and obstacles, and provide advice to support successful employment.

• Job Search Support: The Co-op Program Coordinator will monitor students’ job search progress to ensure they remain on track with their co-op search plan. Additional support for job interview performance will be provided to help students secure a relevant position.

Co-op Placement Process

1. Training Plan and Application: Students must submit a personalized co-op training plan completed in BUS 191, along with a final resume and cover letter aimed at their targeted employment goal.

2. Mandatory Meeting/Orientation: Once all required courses are completed, the President or Co-op Program Coordinator will hold a mandatory orientation to explain the co-op placement process. During this meeting, students will sign the CNC Co-op Placement Registration Form, which includes Co-op Placement Terms and Conditions.

3. Coaching and Support: Students will receive coaching on job search techniques, resume and cover letter preparation, and interview practice from the Administrator/Coordinator.

4. Placement: When students are ready, the Co-op Coordinator/Administrator Assistant will contact a host organization to discuss a potential placement, develop a training plan, and arrange an interview.

5. Self-Placement Policy: If a student chooses to find their own placement, they must inform CNC’s President, Administrator Assistant, or Coordinator. The self-placement must be approved by CNC at least 4 weeks before the expected start date of the Co-op program.

6. Approval and Agreement: If the placement is approved, both the student and host organization will receive CNC’s Letter of Agreement. If no placement is secured, the Co-op Coordinator and Administrator Assistant will assist the student in finding a placement to ensure timely start of the Co-op.

Commencement of Co-op Work Experience

• Liaison with Host Organizations: The Co-op Coordinator will liaise with relevant host organizations to seek suitable placements. A “suitable host” is an employer qualified in a career relevant to the student’s program of study.

• Interview and Acceptance: The host employer will have the right to accept or decline a student based on interview performance and suitability for the position.

• Work Schedule and Agreement: Once accepted, the student will coordinate their work schedule with the employer and confirm the start date. A Letter of Agreement will be jointly signed by the student and the employer, then counter-signed by the College President. Copies will be provided to both the student and the employer and filed in the student’s records.

Evaluation During Work Experience

• Progress Monitoring: Students will report their work hours through a weekly reporting system designed to track performance, challenges, and hours worked. Reports will continue until the student reaches the required number of work hours.

• Monthly Reflection and Mid-Term Review: In addition to weekly reports, students must submit a monthly reflective journal and participate in a mid-term review with the Co-op Coordinator.

• Assessment Criteria: To meet the assessment criteria for SLS 195, students must submit all required reports, journals, and the employer’s final evaluation, as well as participate in the mid-term review. Cloud Nine College will monitor student progress to ensure they are attending the work experience and meeting program learning objectives.

• Course Completion: Students must complete BUS 191 (Preparation for Co-op), BUS 195 (Co-op Placement), and BUS 198 (Capstone) to receive their program credential.

• Written Evaluation: Students will receive at least one written evaluation related to their work experience component.

End of Work Experience

• Final Employer Evaluation: The host employer will provide a final evaluation of the student’s overall performance near the end of the work experience term. If issues arise from these reports, the President will meet with the student to discuss them.

• Successful Completion: If no concerns are reported, the administrative assistant will update the student’s records and inform the President of the successful completion of the Co-op/practicum work experience.