Employer Responsibilities (Co-op & Work Placement Services)

Employers are responsible for:

  1. Determining the qualifications for hiring e.g. required licenses, certificates, immunizations, criminal record checks, etc.
  2. Providing a completed Job Description form to the SCS staff for approval
  3. Undertaking the recruitment process (screening, interview, selection and offer); the College does not select students on behalf of the employer
  4. Adhering to the Employer Work Term Agreement and applicable College Policies
  5. Providing the student with a “full-time” (minimum 35 hours per week) work for the required number of weeks
  6. Returning the Work/Education Placement Agreement (to ensure WSIB coverage or private accident insurance funded by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities) and the Employer Work Term Agreement before the commencement of the work placement work term
  7. Providing leadership and guidance, along with appropriate student responsibilities throughout the work term, recognizing that this is also a learning experience for the student
  8. Including Health & Safety orientation/training and supervision
  9. Advising Student Career Services of  any occurrences such as,  but not limited to, accident/injury, poor attendance, issues with completing work tasks, etc.
  10. Completing a brief informal Mid-term Progress Report. Evaluations will be supplied by the College
  11. Completing and returning a formal Final Evaluation on the student’s performance. Evaluations will be supplied by the College
  12. Complying with all Provincial and Federal Freedom of Information, Human Rights, and Employment Legislation

FAQ's for Work Placement Employers

Employers often have questions about providing Work Placements that meet the learning outcomes required by post-secondary programs, while also benefiting the employer's workplace.  Program Coordinators and SCS staff are available to discuss any questions that might arise by email, phone, or in person throughout the whole of the work term. Below are a couple of common questions.

Are students paid on Work Placements?

Payment for Work Placements is optional. Many Work Placements are unpaid. 

  • In the event of an unpaid Work Placement, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities covers workplace insurance
  • In the case of a paid Work Placement, the employer is responsible for workplace insurance coverage

How do I advertise for a Work Placement?

  • Determine the qualifications for hiring e.g. required licenses, certificates, immunizations, criminal record checks, etc.
  • Provide a completed Job Description Form to SCS staff for approval
  • The College will post the approved Job Description on the program site, along with a closing date and will collect the student applications
  • The College will provide these applications to the employer and the employer will proceed with their internal hiring procedures

If I have questions before, during or after providing a Work Placement, what should I do?

  • Employers are supported by SCS staff and program coordinators.  Both program coordinators and SCS staff  are available by phone, email or in a face to face meeting to answer questions, provide ideas and information and to assist in finding solutions to assist employers in providing Work Placements.  The goal is to provide a positive and productive Work Placement experience for both the student and the employer.