Get Real World Experience

Dedicated to offering students exceptional learning experiences, Fanshawe College stands as a leader in Canada's education landscape. Featuring a diverse range of over 70 co-op programs, Fanshawe ensures a smooth transition from classroom theories to real-world applications. This approach empowers students to confidently apply their knowledge in various practical settings, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning journey.

Do you have questions about co-op programs or services? Contact coop@fanshawec.ca!

Benefits of Co-op

Apply the theory learned in college to work situations

Gain valuable work experience before graduation

Develop and refine career plans

Earn while you learn

Develop job search, interview and communications skills

Study abroad co-op options available

Why Choose Fanshawe

70
+
Co-op Programs
600
Average Number of Co-op Employers
96
%
Average Co-op Employment Rate

Co-op Structure

Work Semesters

Work semesters are spaced out through the academic program and students achieve progressively advanced skill levels as they advance through their studies. Similarly, the work experience opportunities should increase in difficulty and responsibility as the student progresses through the program. Normally, work semesters are four months in duration but in some programs, there are double co-ops of eight months or even longer. The minimum duration is 12 weeks of full-time employment.

Eligibility

Only those students who pass all of their college courses are eligible for co-op.

Pre-employment training

All co-op students undergo a pre-employment training program that includes information about careers related to their program, business/industry requirements and standards, and workplace adaptation. The co-op pattern for each program is designed so that students are likely to be available for work during busy periods in companies related to their field of study.

Co-op Payment Rates

Co-op positions are always paid. Students are usually paid at the same rate as entry-level workers in that position at your company. 

Entrepreneurship Opportunities

Available for any program. Do you have your own business or are you interested in starting one? Use your co-op term to explore entrepreneurship. The Leap Junction team can help you navigate the process.

From Classroom to Career

When selecting a post-secondary school degree, I knew I wanted to gain practical experience. As a hands-on learner, I hoped to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world industry experience. I accomplished all this through the Bachelor of Commerce - Digital Marketing Degree at Fanshawe College. Thanks to Aquatell Inc., I gained hands-on experience while fulfilling my co-op requirement. I applied years of post-secondary knowledge while gaining and expanding my knowledge using industry tools. Aquatell has provided the opportunity to acquire new knowledge daily. I’m excited to continue as their Digital Marketing Manager.

- Annalise Cosman, Bachelor of Commerce Management, Digital Marketing Degree

Annalise and Reid stand in front of desk at Aquatell

This program set me up with great foundational building blocks for a life-long career. I have both Cintas and Fanshawe to thank for where I am today, for anyone who is seeking a co-op or future career, put yourself out there, don’t be afraid to be yourself, work hard, build relationships, to better your life in every aspect and build a great future for yourself!

- Riley McFee, Bachelor of Commerce Management

Photo of Riley McFee
student and advisor discuss co-op opportunities at Fanshawe

Why you should choose a co-op

Interested in taking a co-op program? Learn more about all the benefits of getting this paid work experience at Fanshawe.

woman in co-op advisory meeting on laptop

Get the most out of your co-op

Taking a co-op this year? Learn what you need to do to prepare for your co-operative work term and what you need to do to get the most out of it!

Paulyn sitting at a desk working at a laptop

Three things to know before starting a co-op placement

Explore the top three things you need to know before you start your co-op placement from a real co-op student.

Student Support

Embark on your co-op journey with the assurance of dedicated support from day one to graduation. Each student is paired with a co-op consultant and career services consultant, offering personalized guidance throughout the co-op job search, application, and interview processes. This support extends into your co-op work term, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. 

Complementing this assistance is the COOP-1020 preparation course, a focused program designed to equip you with the skills needed for a successful co-op term, blending academic knowledge with real-world application.

Employers

Hiring co-op students presents several advantages for employers. It brings fresh perspectives, access to specialized skills, and a notable increase in workplace productivity. Also, explore hiring incentives available to further enhance the hiring experience.

 

Learn more about hiring a co-op students

Contact Us

Co-operative Education Office

Email: coop@fanshawec.ca

Phone: 519-452-4294

Contact List