As a Co-operative Education (Co-op) host and mentor, you can impact the course of young people’s lives while investing in your future labour force.  This is an opportunity for you to invest in students who just may be your future employees or colleagues.  Wouldn’t it be great to have a pool of potential employees who know your business and are excited to work for you? Get involved with Co-operative Education and watch your talent pool grow! 

Why host a Co-op student?

• renew your workforce by sharing your skills and knowledge to help youth make informed choices to prepare for education and career pathways 

• build a strong economy and increase Nova Scotia’s skilled labour market 

• contribute to your community 

• access student innovation and fresh perspectives that can spark new ideas 

What does the school provide?

• students who have an interest in your work environment and are eager to learn from your expertise 

• safety training such as First Aid, OH&S, and WHMIS 

• insurance for students while they are at your workplace 

What does it cost?

The only cost is the time and resources required to train and supervise the student. Students are not paid for hours they complete while at a Co-operative Education placement. 

Students may be paid if registered as a Pre-apprentice or Youth Apprentice with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency or if they are taking part in an EECD-approved sector program or have been approved as an intern by their region/board. 

Insurance

Students are covered by student accident insurance while on a Co-operative Education work placement. A certificate of insurance showing commercial general liability insurance coverage through the School Insurance Program (SIP) can be provided by the teacher upon request.

(Source: 2023, NS Department of Education and Early Childhood Development)