Role of the Employer
- Preliminary arrangements-developing a work plan
- Select and interview students and make offers
- On the first day of work or prior to the first day of work
- During the work term
Preliminary arrangements-developing a work plan
- Think carefully, prior to interviewing a UTC
co-op student, about developing a working environment and a work plan that will:- provide assignments which relate to the student's curriculum and career goals and which provide opportunities for increased responsibility and learning through each additional work term
- provide assignments that are challenging, stimulating, and give the student the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the company and which increase in responsibility and learning each subsequent work term
- Establish the job requirements at the beginning, as well as the hours to be worked
- Write a thorough job description and submit it to the UTC
Co-op Office; [link to example?] - Identify and appoint an immediate supervisor who can mentor and encourage
the
co-op student - Call the
Co-op Office and set up an interview with the students you have selected from the office's recommendations
Select and interview students and make offers
- interview the students either on campus, at your site, or by phone
- make your selection and inform the student by phone or email
- provide the student and UTC
Co-op Office with a written offer letter that provides the following information:- that the student is being offered a position with your organization
- where and when the student is to report for the first day of work
- to whom the student is to report to on that first day and whether the person is the student's supervisor or a human resource manager in charge of getting the student enrolled as an employee of your organization
- who the students immediate supervisor will be
- what the pay for this work period will be
- number of hours to be worked
On the first day of work or prior to the first day of work
Give the student a thorough orientation that:
- acquaints the student with the company
- provides the student with an overview of the organization's purpose, philosophy, and structure
- describes the student's position, daily job functions, and the company's expectations for this work period
- discusses administrative details with the student: work-hours, record keeping, time sheets, overtime, sick and personal leave, holidays and lunch hour
- exposes the student to the office or department, conduct a tour, make introductions, and discuss office procedures, and resources
- answers questions on parking, dress code, and other matters.
During the work term
- provide encouragement and offer immediate, constructive feedback to the student and assist the student by addressing observable strengths and weaknesses
- advise the university coordinator of any concerns or problems regarding the student's work assignment or environment as soon as an issue arises
- have the immediate supervisor complete UTC's formal student evaluation
form [provided in the X section (link)] and submit it (or submit a copy of
the company's evaluation of the student) to the UTC
Co-op Office. Also, discuss the content of the student evaluation with theco-op or intern - Problems in the Workplace - Should any unusual circumstances arise
during the work term, e.g. behavior problems, employers should contact the
co-op coordinator who will help to facilitate a resolution. Should employers consider dismissing aco-op student, they are urged to consult with theCo-op Office as early as possible to discuss their concerns - Lay-offs and Strikes - If you foresee a lay-off or strike that will
directly affect the
co-op student, please notify theCo-op Office as soon as possible
