Co-operative Education Student Information

Sask Polytech currently offers a Co-operative Education component in 14 diploma programs. Depending on your program, you may be placed on work terms varying in total length from 4 to 12 months. You need to be a full-time, on-campus student in one of the following programs to take part in co-op education work terms.

View eligible programs and work term schedules.

Yes! The Government of Canada allows international students to work as a part of their Sask Polytech program. To participate in co-op education work terms, you will need to meet the following conditions:

Have a valid study permit.

1. A co-op education work term (or terms) must be a key part of your Sask Polytech program.
2. Have a letter confirming students in your program need to complete work placements to get their certificate, diploma or degree.
3. Your co-op work term or internship must be 50 per cent or less of your total program of study.
4. Once you have met these conditions, apply for a special work permit specific to your program. This work permit allows you to work off campus as part of your program.

If you have questions or want more information, contact Ian Morrison at 306-691-8539 or ian.morrison@saskpolytech.ca.

The Co-op Office is the organizational hub for both students and employers. The office posts job opportunities on the Orbis job posting site. You apply for posted positions that interest you. You can also seek your own employment opportunities. Learn more about Orbis and use the Orbis Quick Guides for instructions on initial registration and logging into the system.

Co-op coordinators are the liaison between students, Sask Polytech and employers. The coordinator’s job is to develop job opportunities, arrange employment interviews for students, oversee student placement and monitor your progress on the job. Your co-ordinator can also assist with a resume, interview skills and job search techniques.

Employers shortlist job candidates and the Co-op Office arranges student interviews. While most interviews are held on campus, some may be conducted at the employer's location and some by telephone or virtual platforms such as Zoom.

Based on the interviews, the Co-op Office makes student placements using a system of employer and student rankings and a computerized match. Employment letters and other placement details are co-ordinated by the Co-op Office. Employers determine salaries.

Students are not automatically matched with a co-op employer—you must actively participate in the process. It’s your responsibility to:

• Register with the Co-op Office and familiarize yourself with Co-op Academic/Work Term Time Patterns.
• Provide the Co-op Office with your resume and transcripts.
• Attend informational meetings with your co-op co-ordinator.
• Regularly check the Orbis website for jobs.
• Apply for positions that interest you.
• Attend interviews with potential employers.
• Monitor your emails.
• Honour your job acceptance and perform appropriately on the job.
• Inform your co-ordinator immediately of any problems or changes during your work term.
• Participate in your job-site evaluation and return-to-campus interview with your co-op co-ordinator.

Tip: Many of co-op employers require both a valid Saskatchewan Driver's Licence and a clean Driver's Abstract. For international students, it can take up to 12 months to obtain a Driver's licence; if possible, come with a valid Driver's Licence from your home country.

Co-op education jobs are offered in many sectors, but especially in business, government and non-profit organizations. While most are located in Saskatchewan, many students take advantage of the opportunity to broaden their horizons (and their experience) by accepting co-op jobs in other cities. Recently, Sask Polytech students have taken co-op education jobs in:

• Calgary
• Moose Jaw
• Edmonton
• North Battleford
• Estevan
• Ottawa
• Lake Louise
• Prince Albert
• Lloydminster
• Regina
• Red Deer
• Medicine Hat
• Saskatoon
• Swift Current
• Winnipeg
• Weyburn
• Yorkton

For more information on the hiring process, job expectations, job evaluation and more, read the Co-operative Education Procedures Handbook.