Although the prospect of doing a work placement as part of your degree is exciting, for many mature students, it can also be daunting. It may be quite some time since you have been in employment or perhaps you are planning a career change. The Cooperative Education & Careers Division is here to help you to prepare for your co-op placement and to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

It is important that you attend the employability programmes which are usually held two or three semesters before your co-op is due to begin. Co-op Managers will email each class well in advance of the employability programmes, so make note of the relevant date. This is an opportunity to find out about co-op and to think about your options.

Yes, there are a number of ways to prepare for your interview:

Although every effort will be made to accommodate your particular situation, we cannot guarantee a local placement.

 

 As a mature student, am I automatically entitled to an exemption from Coop?

There is no automatic entitlement to an exemption from Coop. You may, however, be entitled to an exemption if you have had previous relevant work experience. Each application for an exemption will be assessed on an individual basis.

Please note that Coop is assessed on a pass/fail basis. If you do not pass your Coop Placement, you are not entitled to a retrospective exemption based on your previous work experience.

 

4. When can I apply for an exemption from Coop?

You can apply for a Coop exemption as early as you like, but the paperwork (see question 5) should be completed at least six months before your placement is due to begin. The Coop Placement period for some degrees is in 2nd year and for others it is in 3rd year. You should be clear about when exactly the Coop placement for your degree begins, so you can apply in time for an exemption.

 

5. How do I apply for an exemption from Coop?

You must obtain an Exemption Form from Academic Registry (AR); forms are downloadable from their website. 

You should then speak to the Coop Manager responsible for your course and discuss your reasons for applying for an exemption.

Complete the form, and attach a two-page summary of any previous work and or life experience that you feel is relevant. You may also need to attach an employer reference. Return the form to your Coop Manager for approval. The Student Status Committee will then consider your application. You will be invited to attend a meeting, and will receive confirmation of the meeting's outcome by letter.

 

6. What are my options during the Coop Placement period if I get an exemption from Coop?

Basically, your time is your own. You do not have to be present on campus. If you have questions on the possibility of taking some of your degree modules over the Coop placement period, you should contact your Student Advisor.

There is no automatic entitlement to an exemption from co-op. You may, however, be entitled to an exemption if you have had previous relevant work experience. Each application for an exemption will be assessed on an individual basis.

Please note that co-op is assessed on a pass/fail basis. If you do not pass your Co-op Placement, you are not entitled to a retrospective exemption based on your previous work experience.

You can apply for a co-op exemption as early as you like, but the paperwork (see question 5) should be completed at least six months before your placement is due to begin. The Co-op Placement period for some degrees is in 2nd year and for others it is in 3rd year. You should be clear about when exactly the co-op placement for your degree begins, so you can apply in time for an exemption.

You must obtain an Exemption Form from Academic Registry (AR); forms are downloadable from their website. 

You should then speak to the Co-op Manager responsible for your course and discuss your reasons for applying for an exemption.

Complete the form, and attach a two-page summary of any previous work and or life experience that you feel is relevant. You may also need to attach an employer reference. Return the form to your Co-op Manager for approval. The Student Status Committee will then consider your application. You will be invited to attend a meeting, and will receive confirmation of the meeting's outcome by letter.

Basically, your time is your own. You do not have to be present on campus. If you have questions on the possibility of taking some of your degree modules over the co-op placement period, you should contact your Student Advisor.