Interested in Applying for Cohort 3 in January 2026?

What Is An Internship?

We often use these terms interchangeably, but what's the difference between an internship, a co-op opportunity, an apprenticeship and formal employment?

Internship Opportunity

Co-op Opportunity

Apprenticeship

Formal Employment

Purpose of Opportunity

Gain exposure, build skills, resumes, and networks, explore careers

Apply academic learning in real-world environments

Learn a skilled trade or craft through structured training

Contribute to organizational goals and deliver results

Key Candidate Attributes

A learner first: Expected to be proactive, curious, and reliable while growing in professionalism and exploring potential pathways

Student ready to balance academic accountability & professional contribution: Expected to apply learning meaningfully and build work-readiness.

Developing professional: Expected to learn by doing, value repetition, apply feedback, and increase skill and responsibility over time.

A skilled contributor:

Expected to perform independently, meet targets, uphold standards, and grow within the organization.

Entry-level Expectation

Basic knowledge, minimal experience (career seekers, students, recent grads)

Enrollment in academic program - basic knowledge in field

Varies - often with a commitment to learn the trade no experience is required

Required proven skills, credentials, and relevant work experience

Training & Supervision

Shorter training, informal learning, moderate to high mentorship and ongoing support

Mentorship from a supervisor with academic check-ins

Intensive training and regular assessment by a skilled mentor, qualified in the field/area to which the apprenticeship is linked

Apart from initial onboarding. minimal training and supervision (dependent on role) - prior skill and experience expected

Value/ Outcomes for Participants

Exposure to workplace and professional expectations, soft skills, exploration of interests, resume-building

Academic credit, practical application, future job prospects

Certification, strong industry-ready technical skills, direct employability

Market-related income, professional growth, long-term career progression

Expectation of Organization

Provide learning opportunities and mentorship

Provide relevant experience aligned to academic goals where possible

Invest in training, assess progress, prepare for future employment

Expect delivery of value, independence, and KPI achievement

Common Misunder- standings

Expectation of guaranteed jobs; misunderstood levels of responsibility or pay; inattention to delivering on expectations

Mistaken for internships; often underestimate workload and value

Confusion with internships or inaccurate assumptions about formal education required

Assuming inclusion of on-the-job learning like internships or apprenticeships

Best Fit For

Students, new graduates, career explorers, people seeking to build strong resumes and credentials

Students in academic programs needing real-world experience

Those seeking a hands-on career path with structured learning

Established professionals or individuals ready to commit to and deliver in a specific professional role

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