Co-operative Education Program

All students are advised that satisfying the entrance requirements does not guarantee a job in the Co-op Program. Acceptance into the program is dependant upon the student seeking out and securing a job placement with support from the Co-op Program

Degree Program Students

Students who have been admitted to an undergraduate program within the faculty are eligible to apply to the Co-op Program.

The first work term can start after the first year of a 4-year or second-degree program. Students admitted into the Program must maintain good academic standing (minimum DGPA of 2.0) throughout their co-op work terms. Co-op students should not graduate on a work term without written permission from the Co-op Office.

Each co-op term that receives a Pass mark earns a student 3 credit hours. During a work term, a co-op student may take one an additional course of up to a maximum of 6 credit hours. Courses cannot interfere with the student's work and must be taken outside of work hours.

Diploma in Agriculture Students

To be considered for admission in the Cooperative Education Program, a first year diploma student must have a minimum Degree GPA of 2.5, and have completed at least 47 Credit Hours of studies by the end of the academic year of application. Co-op students should not graduate on a work term without written permission from the Co-op Office.

International Students

You will need to meet with someone at the International Centre first to discuss your work permit for the co-op placement before you contact our Co-op Coordinator. Please note that our Coordinator cannot provide advice on work or study permits. Please refer to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for up to date information. You can also refer to current temporary rules regarding co-op work permits.

After you have met with the International Centre regarding co-op work permits, you will need to send the Co-op Coordinator this information:

Full name

Student number

Date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY)

Declared major/degree program

Expected date of graduation

First expected work term (i.e. - May 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023)

The Co-op Program provides students with supports and opportunities to:

• Exclusive career development and employment support designed to help students gain confidence in their abilities and seek support in areas of improvement.
• Gain and develop crucial technical and employability skills
• Earn money to supplement education costs. Co-op student receive competitive wages.
• Build a strong resume, cover letter, and portfolio. Each work term allows students to participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to prepare you for the future. 
• Each work term allows Co-op students to explore different career options and task varieties that can help define long-term career and employment goals. 
• Develop and maintain important industry contacts.
• Earn three (3) credit hours per Co-op Work Term. Three successful work terms can help you balance academic and professional goals. 
• Access student awards such as the UM Co-op Students of the Year and the CEWIL Canada Student of the Year award.
• Gain Co-op designations on transcripts and parchments that are an advantage when seeking permanent employment.
• Gain recognition that allows employers to access hiring incentives for student work terms which helps develop long-term employment opportunities.

Costs & Associated Fees

Applicants who are accepted to the program agree to follow set guidelines that are designed to help them be successful before and after graduation.

As a Co-op student, you become a representative of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. It is important for everyone to work together to make a co-op placement a meaningful experience and preserve valued relationships between students, the Co-op Coordinator and industry partners. 

The following is a non-exhaustive list of expectations that Co-op students must adhere to:

• Inform the Co-op Coordinator of any changes to your degree, program or contact information.
• Follow the steps and guidelines outlined in the application process.
• Conduct research for potential co-op work term placements that suit your interests, academic goals and personal life adaptability (i.e. capacity to live short-term in rural Manitoba).
• Ensure your resume and cover letters are complete in all areas and professional in appearance. 
• Apply for an appropriate number of jobs across a range of sectors of the agri-food industry.
• International students: Meet with the International Centre at the UM about work permits prior to applying to the Co-op Program and securing work placements.
• Attend and participate in professional development opportunities to enhance the Co-op experience.

Pre-Placement (1-4 months prior to start of placement):

• Connect with the Co-op Coordinator with any potential employer who requests more information on co-op.
• Attend all orientations and meetings that inform and prepare students for starting co-op placements.
• Register for the appropriate Co-op Work Term about 1 month prior to starting your placement.
• Pay associated course fees for Work Term (students earn 3 credit hours for each Term/placement once they receive a "Pass" grade in Aurora).
• Review your email frequently for information from the Co-op Coordinator.

During the Co-op placement:

• Work to your full capacity during work terms and participate in workplace events and meetings.
• Follow all policies and procedures provided by the employer.
• Represent the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences in a professional and ethical manner.
• Complete and submit Co-op Course deliverables, including Self-Evaluation forms, online reflection pieces and final reports, in a timely manner.

Information Session

Students who are applying to the Co-op Program are encouraged to register for attend one of the information sessions prior to submitting an application.

The information session will include the following topics:

• Benefits of the Co-op Program
• Student responsibilities and expectations
• Student intake application process
• Onboarding and pre-placement program
• and much more!

Register on UM Connect.

Did you miss the Co-op Info sessions? Please contact agcoop@umanitoba.ca for a recording of the session. 

Career and Academic Planning

Applying to and participating in the Co-op Program is a commitment to enhance the overall your student experience and overall development. From job search to developing tailored applications to building a professional network, you will be exposed to opportunities and situations that will require you to make decisions that impact other areas of your life.

Students who are interested in applying to the program are encouraged to meet with a Career Consultant to discuss how the Co-op Program can affect, change, and contribute to career and academic plans/goals.

Important note about the online application form: There is currently no way to 'save' an incomplete application once it has started. 

Get the following ready before you start your application:

• Student number 
• Credit hours completed & Degree GPA (i.e. UMAchieve, unofficial web transcript through Aurora, etc.)

In order to qualify as a co-op position, a job opportunity must be:

• Full time (minimum 35 hours per week)

• Approx. 4 months in duration, or min. 420 hours, spanning the academic term

• Paid 
• Meaningful and challenging work that is relevant to a program of study in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.