We know co-op.
As one of Canada's first colleges to offer co-operative education, we know the value it offers students and employers.
What is Co-op?
Co-operative Education links the academic learning process with the workplace through paid and practical work experiences that are relevant to the program of study. Co-op work experiences facilitate the student's professional development, while providing your organization with a skilled short-term hire and a long-term talent pipeline.
Mohawk College offers 23 Co-operative Education programs that employers can recruit from.
Employer responsibilities
- Students are provided with a full-time contract, typically in blocks of 4, 8 or 12-months (program dependent).
- Students are paid by the employer.
- The work is related to the program of study.
- A supervisor is available to provide mentorship and performance evaluations.
Co-op Employer Guidebook
To learn more about the Co-op hiring process, please review the Mohawk Co-op Employer Guidebook (links to ISSUU).
Co-op Work Term Recruitment Timelines
| Winter Work Term | Summer Work Term | Fall Work Term | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Term Dates* | January - April | May - August | September - December |
| Job Postings Begin** | October | February | June |
* Some co-op programs allow students to complete consecutive work terms for up to 8 or 12 months.
** Employers who post jobs early will have access to a larger candidate pool.
Co-op Hiring Process
5 steps to hiring your ideal candidate »
Congratulations! You are just five easy steps away from your next best hire.
Step 1: Prepare the job description
Finding the right hire starts with a well-written job description. Your description will affect the quality and level of students who apply to your position. We will connect you with a Co-op Specialist who will guide you on the optimal content and format for your posting. Contact us to get started.
Step 2: Posting
Your job will be posted to Mohawk’s CareerReady job portal where students interested in applying will submit their resume electronically. Most postings are up for 5 days. Ready to get started? Submit a Co-op job.
Step 3: Pre-Screening
All resumes received through Mohawk’s CareerReady portal during the application period are forwarded directly to you for pre-screening.
Step 4: Interviewing
We will make all the necessary arrangements according to your specifications. In addition to in-person interviews, employers may also choose to hold virtual interviews (phone or video).
Step 5: After the interview
Upon completion of the interview process, we will ask for a ranking according to your preference for only those students whom you are prepared to hire, i.e., 1st choice, 2nd choice, etc. We will offer the position to your first choice. If that student accepts, the position is filled. If the student declines, we will make an offer to your second choice, etc. We will notify you of the outcome as soon as possible and follow up with a letter confirming employment of the co-op student with your organization. The student will contact you regarding start date, location, dress code, etc., prior to the beginning of the work term.
During the work term
Your Co-op Specialist will contact you around week five or six of the work term to see how your Co-op student is progressing. This check-in will serve to discuss student performance and progress pertaining to learning objectives as well as to confirm that safety orientation and training have been completed. We ask that you complete a formal evaluation of the student after the first month and at the end of the work term as part of their work term assignment. The student will provide these evaluation forms at the designated times throughout the work term.
Post a Job
New Employers
Create an account on our CareerReady job portal to self-post a co-op job.
Returning Employers
Login to self-post a co-op job on our CareerReady job portal.
Contact us
Each Co-op Program is supported by a dedicated Co-op Specialist. Please visit the Co-op Programs and Contacts page to connect with the specific Co-op specialist that supports your interest.
Room J137, Fennell Campus
Email: careerready [at] mohawkcollege.ca (Career Ready)
CEWIL Canada Accredited Programs
Mohawk College has 22 Co-operative Education programs that have been recognized and accredited by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada. This accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for co-op programs in Canada.