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CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION

WEBSITE

http://jobs.lakeheadu.ca

WHAT IS CO-OP?

A process of ‘Experiential Learning’ A formal part of the curriculum Integrates academic study with paid work experience

STUDENT BENEFITS OF CO-OP

Alternative mode of learning Encourages career exploration Improves employability Provides an additional method for financing education Assists with personal development

EMPLOYER BENEFITS OF CO-OP

An efficient means of evaluating potential permanent employees A resource to accommodate temporary human resources needs Motivated & highly productive employees A closer relationship with the university An enhanced corporate image

UNIVERSITY BENEFITS OF CO-OP

Builds relationships within the labour market Increases student and graduate recruitment Provides more educational program options Helps students and graduates have career success after university

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CO-OP PROGRAM PROCESS

1. Complete the Co-op application process.

2. Schedule an appointment to meet with the Co-op & Employer Relations Officer to submit

application package and review resume and cover letter. Call 807-343-8264 to book the

appointment.

3. Complete the Work Term Registration Form with Co-op & Employer Relations Officer.

4. Complete the Admission Agreement Letter with Co-op & Employer Relations Officer.

5. Email an updated resume and general cover letter to Co-op & Employer Relations

Officer for review.

6. Attend Co-op Preparation sessions.

7. Conduct active Co-op job search.

8. Attend job interviews.

9. Accept suitable job offer if received.

10. Start searching for housing in city of employment.

11. Start Co-op Work Term.

12. Complete Work Term Confirmation Form.

13. Co-op Work Term Monitor, conducted by Co-op & Employer Relations Officer, in person

or by telephone.

14. Complete Co-op Work Term Report and submit to Supervisor. Supervisor has the option

to release or not release report.

15. Have Employer Supervisor complete Work Term Evaluation Form

16. Submit Co-op Work Term Report to Co-op & Employer Relations Officer if/when

released by Supervisor.

17. Complete Exit Interview Form.

ACTIVE CO-OP STUDENTS ACTIVE:

Attend Pre-Work Term Preparation Sessions and other co-op meetings Actively search for a co-op work term Meet regularly with Co-op & Employer Relations Officer Apply to jobs through the Student Success Centre Conduct personal job search Attend interviews and accept reasonable work term offers

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CO-OP WORK TERM PARTICIPATION FEES

Co-op Program Participation Fee

Participation Fee Ancillary Fees Total

First Term $630.00 $28.94 $658.94

Continuing Work Term with the same

employer

$315.00 $28.94 $343.94

CO-OP STUDY TERM FEE Four month session (Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer) The student who has a fall or winter study term, is only required to pay 50% of the annual full time Tuition Fee, Field Trip Fee and Ancillary Fee at time of registration. For further information, please contact the Office of Financial Services, Accounts Receivable, prior to or during registration at 343-8140.

Co-op Programs

Academic Term Academic Term (Engineering Only)

Year Tuition Fee Ancillary Fee

Year Tuition Fee Ancillary Fee

1 $2,664.50 $444.70 1 $3,132.00 $479.70

2 $2,651.50 $434.70 2 $3,016.00 $469.70

3 $2,639.00 $434.70 3 $2,939.00 $469.70

4+ $2,625.00 $434.70 4+ $2,925.50 $469.70

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THE JOB SEARCH The first step in any job search is…

SELF-ASSESSMENT Getting the job is all about marketing yourself. Self-assessment is a process through which you become aware of your: Strengths & Weaknesses Skills & Abilities Values & Interests Goals & Aspirations You must learn everything you can about…

1. Your Product (YOU!) 2. Your Target Market (Industry/Employer)

KNOWING YOURSELF

Helps you market your strengths and downplay your weaknesses to employers Helps you move closer to career satisfaction & finding full-time work you will enjoy after

graduation Must assess your: Values, Interests, Skills, and Personality

VALUES

Values are the principles or guidelines by which you conduct your life Important to determine that your values match the values of the company you are

applying to Work Values – What you want to get out of work Life Values – What you want to get out of life

WORK VALUES

Sense of Accomplishment Doing Something Worthwhile A Creative Outlet Helping Others Learning Leading Others A Sense of Community Independence & Freedom

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LIFE VALUES

Free Time Time at Home Schedule Flexibility Involvement in Work Community Involvement

INTERESTS

Interests are basically your likes and dislikes Knowing your interests can make the difference between going to work enthusiastically

and falling asleep on the job! Remember…interest is not necessarily an indication of skill

ASSESSING YOUR INTERESTS

The Student Success Centre offers a Career Interest Assessment using the Strong Interest Inventory questionnaire: http://jobs.lakeheadu.ca/self-exploration/

You can also try this exercise to assess your interests… Place a check under 'L' for those activities that you like to do Check under 'D' for those things you do not like, are indifferent to or have never done

Interest Inventory Like Dislike REALISTIC Fix electrical things __________ _________ Repair Cars __________ _________ Fix Mechanical Things __________ _________ Build Things with Wood __________ _________ Drive a Truck or Tractor __________ _________ Work on hot rod or motorcycle __________ _________ Use metalworking or machine tools __________ _________ Take Shop Course __________ _________ Take auto mechanics course __________ _________ Take mechanical drawing course __________ _________ Take woodworking course __________ _________ TOTALS __________ _________ INVESTIGATIVE Read scientific books or magazines __________ _________ Work in a laboratory __________ _________ Work on a science project __________ _________ Build rocket models __________ _________ Work with a chemistry set __________ _________ Read about special subjects __________ _________ Solve math or chess puzzles __________ _________ Take physics course __________ _________ Take geology course __________ _________

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Take biology course __________ _________ TOTALS __________ _________ ARTISTIC Sketch, draw, or paint __________ _________ Attend plays __________ _________ Design furniture or buildings __________ _________ Play in a band, group, or orchestra __________ _________ Practice a musical instrument __________ _________ Go to recitals, concerts or musicals __________ _________ Read popular fiction __________ _________ Create portraits or photographs __________ _________ Read plays __________ _________ Read or write poetry __________ _________ Take art course __________ _________ TOTALS __________ _________ SOCIAL Write letters to friends __________ _________ Attend religious services __________ _________ Belong to social clubs __________ _________ Help other with personal problems __________ _________ Take care of children __________ _________ Go to parties __________ _________ Dance __________ _________ Read psychology books __________ _________ Attend meetings and conferences __________ _________ Go to sports events __________ _________ Make new friends __________ _________ TOTALS __________ _________ __________ _________ ENTERPRISING Influence others __________ _________ Sell something __________ _________ Discuss politics __________ _________ Operate own service or business __________ _________ Attend conferences __________ _________ Give Talks __________ _________ Serve as an officer of any group __________ _________ Supervise the work of others __________ _________ Meet important people __________ _________ Lead group in accomplishing a goal __________ _________ Participate in a political campaign __________ _________ TOTALS __________ _________ CONVENTIONAL Keep your desk and room neat __________ _________ Type papers/letters for yourself/others __________ _________ Use numbers in business/bookkeeping __________ _________ Operate business machines __________ _________ Keep records of expenses __________ _________ Take typewriting course __________ _________ Take commercial math course __________ _________ Take bookkeeping course __________ _________ File letters, reports, and records __________ _________

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Write business letters __________ _________ TOTALS __________ _________ TOTAL LIKES & DISLIKES __________ _________

EVALUATING YOUR INTERESTS

In which groups do you have largest number of L's? These groups correspond to types of personalities that are related to exact types of jobs

TYPES OF PERSONALITIES (R) REALISTIC (I) INVESTIGATIVE (A) ARTISTIC (S) SOCIAL (E) ENTERPRISING (C) CONVENTIONAL (R) REALISTIC People who like making things with their hands, have good motor coordination, a special manual dexterity and physical strength, belong to this group. They prefer jobs such as: Mechanic Construction Worker, Laboratory Technician (I) INVESTIGATIVE People who like to do research, to try to understand phenomena, and usually prefer working alone or in a small group, rather than working with the public. They look for the following types of jobs: Biologist, Engineer, Researcher, Meteorologist, Economist, Computer Programmer, Dietician, Psychiatrist, Chemical technician, Astronomer, Statistician, Computer Operator (A) ARTISTIC People who fit this type of personality express themselves by their artwork. They don't like to be enclosed by rigid structure, are often introverted and don't care much for social activities. They often have closed temperaments and let themselves be guided by their emotions. You find this type of person among: Actors, Poets, Camera People, Translators, Photographers, Scene-Painters, Authors, Producers, Stage Designers, Composers, Orchestra Conductors, Dance Instructors (S) SOCIAL This type of people look for jobs where they can enter into relations with other people and give others help, whether it is as a: Teacher, Manpower Agent, Playground Supervisor, Nurse, Swimming Instructor, Paramedic, Doctor, Complaints Clerk, Social Worker, Investigator, Physiotherapist, Chiropractor

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(E) ENTERPRISING Enterprising people express themselves easily and are good at convincing others to think the same way they do. They look for positions with power and prestige, and you often find them in jobs such as: Real Estate Agent, Buyer, Hotel Manager, Sales Representative, Administrator, Bank Credit Manager, Sports Promoter, Foreperson, Entrepreneur (C) CONVENTIONAL People who fit the conventional type look for order, minute detail, and structured work. They appreciate jobs where rules and orders are clear and where they can demonstrate their ability to carefully complete tasks they have been asked to do. You often find them in jobs linked to the business world, such as: Office Clerk, Computer Operator, Accountant, Distributor, Telephone Operator, Storekeeper, Seamstress, Filing Clerk, Cashier

SKILLS TRANSFERABLE SKILLS:

• Skills that are necessary across discipline and industry • Skills that ‘transfer’ from one situation to another

ASSESSING YOUR SKILLS

Try this exercise to assess your transferable skills… You have probably used many transferable skills at one time or another in your past

experiences - in school, at work, in extra-curricular activities In the column on the right make a note of an instance where you have used this skill

successfully

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DEVELOPING JOB LEADS

WHERE DO I LOOK??

Looking for a work term can follow two directions: 1. Visible Jobs 2. Hidden Opportunities

VISIBLE JOBS

Student Success Centre’s On-line Job Bank (http://jobs.lakeheadu.ca/studentalumni-job-bank/)

Student Success Centre's Job Search Links page (http://jobs.lakeheadu.ca/job-search-links--programs/)

WorkopolisCampus.com Job Bank Other On-line Job Banks Government Websites Company Websites Newspapers/Magazines/Trade Journals

HIDDEN JOBS

Networking Cold Calls Volunteering Looking Outside the Box – Be Creative!!

Possible Sources:

- Applying directly to an employer without suggestions or referrals by anyone - Asking relatives about jobs where they work or about jobs elsewhere - Asking friends about jobs where they work or about jobs elsewhere - Going to your local federal Employment Centre/Youth Employment Centre - Going to the Employment Centres operated by the Provincial Government - Answering newspaper ads, checking the financial pages, and examining articles about

new projects and developments. - Getting daily copies of local and non-local newspapers - Placing ads in a local newspaper - Registering with the Public Service Commission (Federal and/or Provincial) - Looking through the Yellow Pages of both local and non-local phone books - Consulting Library Resource Directories and Association Lists

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RESUMES

WHAT IS A RESUME?

Self-marketing tool – a personal Advertisement Sales material to sell a product (YOU!) to a potential customer (THE EMPLOYER!) Summary of your skills, education, employment history, volunteer activities, extra-

curricular activities and individual achievements

MAIN FUNCTION TO SECURE YOU AN INTERVIEW!!

KEY POINTS FOR ALL RESUMES

1 or 2 Pages (preferably 2 pages) ‘Front Page News’ – Keep the most important information on first page Include your name and page # on the second page Do not use sentences, paragraphs or the word “I” Use white space to make your resume visually appealing Make headings & titles stand out Use plain white or beige paper Do not use fancy graphics or pictures

HINT… Employers only spend 30-60 seconds reading your resume the first time – MAKE YOURS STAND OUT!!

INFORMATION TO INCLUDE

CONTACT INFORMATION: Name Addresses (Current & Permanent) Phone Numbers E-mail Address Personal Web Page HINT…. Be sure that your e-mail address is appropriate to give to an employer!!

OBJECTIVE

Varying opinions about including an objective Quite difficult to use an objective effectively If you chose to use an objective….be sure it is very specific!

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EDUCATION

Include any university or college diplomas and degrees received or in progress Name the degree, the institution and the location Current schooling -time period (i.e. 1999 - present) Closer to graduation -expected date of graduation Upon graduation - year that you graduated Include non-degree courses (i.e. continuing education, interest courses), especially if

they relate to your field Mention any awards that you have earned (add a separate awards section for more

than 3 awards)

EXAMPLE EDUCATION: Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) (2000-present) Lakehead University Thunder Bay, Ontario Accounting Diploma (1999) Confederation College Thunder Bay, Ontario **Deans List, Simons Award for Accounting Excellence

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

Include full-time, part-time, summer and volunteer positions List job title/company name/location/years of employment Describe skills gained, responsibilities, accomplishments and duties (point form bulleted

lists – No sentences!) Start each point with an ACTION VERB DO NOT provide names of supervisors If worked for same organization for many years - describe the employment only once,

stating the range of dates If held more than one position with same organization, list all job titles with the skills

gained and responsibilities under each Be sure to note any promotions or special recognitions

ACTION VERBS Accomplished Achieved Arranged Assisted Analyzed Approved Co-ordinated Communicated Completed Conducted Consulted Corresponded Created Decided Delegated Demonstrated Developed Ensured Established Implemented Improved Increased Initiated Maintained Managed Organized Participated Planned Prepared Presented

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Produced Proposed Raised Recommended Represented Solved Supervised Trained Updated

SKILLS SECTION

Should detail the results from your skills assessments Should especially reflect the skills that are specific to your program/career goals Should include computer skills (either in this section or in separate computer skills

section Should also include employability skills Start each point with an action verb Never list any skills that you cannot prove

INTERESTS & ACTIVITIES

Optional section - only if you have interesting or relevant information to include Keep this section short and simple Select those items that fit with your job search/career focus The following types of interests would be appropriate:

teaching a workshop coaching a team leading a group starting a campus club serving on an executive playing a musical instrument etc…

REFERENCES

Only include references in your application package if it is so stated in the job advertisement

“References available upon request" – not necessary, but a good ‘space filler’ if needed Always take hard copy of references to an interview Remember to always obtain permission to use a person as a reference before including

his or her name and contact information Provide your references with a copy of your resume 3 references is usually sufficient, unless otherwise specified Try to use work and school related references

REFERENCE FORMAT

Include the following information for each reference: Name (include Mr., Ms., Dr., or Mrs.) Position/title Complete Address Telephone number

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TYPES OF RESUMES

Chronological Resume Functional Resume Combined Resume

CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME

Presents education & work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Effective for someone with an extensive, unbroken record of work and education

consistently directed to a specific job objective. Not effective for someone who is changing careers, has not worked recently, nor has a

varied or unstable employment history. MOST COMMON FORMAT FOR STUDENTS!! ADVANTAGES

Relatively easy to prepare Widely used and understood (most employers are familiar with the style) Emphasizes a steady employment record Allows employers a quick assessment of experience

DISADVANTAGES

Reveals employment gaps/frequent job changes Highlights lack of experience Puts emphasis on job areas which may not relate to the specific job Limits effective marketing of transferable skills and accomplishments

FUNCTIONAL RESUME

Also called “Skills Resume” Lists skills, abilities and accomplishments rather than work experience Extraneous personal information is not included unless it is directly related to objective Most Effective for:

Someone making a career change Someone who has had a variety of short term positions, has never worked or has

been unemployed for many years ADVANTAGES

Focus on selected areas of accomplishment/experience. Highlights relevant/transferable skills acquired through a variety of experiences. Downplays unrelated experience and employment gaps.

DISADVANTAGES

May be difficult for employer to quickly and clearly assess a candidate’s background and compare to others.

Doesn’t emphasize positions of progressive responsibility. May appear as an attempt to conceal information. May not meet the standard expectations of traditional employers.

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COMBINATION RESUME

Combines aspects of both chronological and functional formats. Highlights relevant skills and accomplishments. Provides background information chronologically. Attempts to eliminate disadvantages of other formats.

FORMAT

Career Objective Skills & Accomplishments Education Work History

ADVANTAGES

Allows effective marketing of skills while also providing employer with chronological information.

Can emphasize skills drawn from range of experiences. Can be constructed to highlight skills and de-emphasize chronology (or vice versa). Provides complete view of applicant’s qualifications.

DISADVANTAGES

May necessitate a longer resume. May require far more preparation time and effort. May be confusing to the reader unless presentation is clear and concise.

PORTFOLIO

A collection of relevant materials Could be a binder with plastic protective sheets to avoid hole punching Preserves documents Allows for presentation of materials during job search See checklist

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LETTERS

COVER LETTER

Can be more important than the resume since it is the first item seen by the employer. Gives an employer a quick summary of how your qualifications match their needs. Encourages employer to read your resume.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Shouldn’t be longer than 1 page Immediately shows your written communication skills Make sure there are NO spelling or grammatical errors Adjust your cover letter for each position you apply for

OPENING PARAGRAPH

State position applied for and competition # if given. State where you saw the advertisement (name and date of publication). State your interest in the position. Try to make a link between you and the company by using the research you have done

on the company (i.e. show you are impressed by the company’s goals or values and show that you share the same goals and values).

BODY PARAGRAPHS

Show how/why you are well suited for the position Show how you match the specific job requirements listed in the ad and support these

claims with past experiences: Related Experience Training Qualifications Skills Attributes

CLOSING PARAGRAPH

State your interest in meeting with the employer for an interview and arrange for further contact

Make it easy for the employer to contact you!

THANK YOU LETTER

Don’t forget to ask the interviewer(s) for a business card or correct contact information.

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Can be business letter format, a hand written thank you card, or a professional e-mail depending on the circumstances…. use your best judgment!

Try to send the employer a thank you letter within a day of having an interview. Purpose:

Extend professional courtesy Re-emphasize your interest in the position Mention any important information that you did not mention in the interview

ACCEPTANCE LETTER

Keep it brief – 3 paragraphs: Formal Acceptance of Offer Employment Details (i.e. start date, location, questions you may have)

Send to employer to formally accept offer of employment Reiterate your enthusiasm for the job

DECLINE LETTER

A well-rounded decline letter can make all the difference for future opportunities with the company.

Keep it brief – 3 paragraphs: Thank the employer for considering you for the position Briefly and tactfully explain why you cannot accept the offer Reiterate your interest in the company and make reference to the possibility for

future employment

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INTERVIEWS

Objective – to share information about your skills, experience, personality and interests, and to learn more about the position.

Goal for the Employer – to see if you meet the needs of the organization.

TYPES OF INTERVIEWS

1. One-on-One 2. Panel 3. Group 4. Telephone 5. Video Conference

INTERVIEW PREPARATION

Research: Yourself (skills, values, interests which relate to the position) Your experiences as they relate to the job The company The industry

Review the job description (what skills/experience do you have that they need) Prepare the questions that you will ask the employer Check out the location ahead of time so that you are not late Get a good night sleep

PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!

TYPES OF QUESTIONS

Ice Breakers Education Related Work Experience Related Position Related Personal Qualities The Salary Question Behavioural Questions

ICE BREAKERS

Tell me about yourself. What are your hobbies and outside interests? What do you do with your free time? What kind of volunteer activities are you involved in? Outside of work, what experiences have influenced you the most? What are your short/long term goals? How are you planning to achieve them?

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EDUCATION RELATED

How have your educational experiences prepared you for your career? Why did you choose your particular program of study? What were your most rewarding experiences in school? How were your grades? Why were they not better? How much weight should we place on your grades in terms of making a hiring decision? What was your favourite class? Least favourite? What have you learned in school that would help on the job?

WORK EXPERIENCE

Describe your previous boss. Why did you leave your previous job? What has been your most rewarding job so far? Why have you changed jobs so often? What was your greatest accomplishment in your last job? What experience do you have doing this type of work?

POSITION RELATED

What do you know about our company? Why do you want to work here? How long would you stay with us? How long would it take you to learn what we do? What skills do you possess that make you the ideal candidate for this position?

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Why should we hire you? What are your greatest strengths? What are your weaknesses? In what areas do you think you need to grow? What do you feel is your greatest achievement to date and why? What 3 words would your friends/co-workers/supervisors use to describe you? Do you prefer to work alone or in a group?

ANSWERING INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Be specific – use examples whenever possible Listen carefully to the questions – ask for clarification if you need to Keep in mind what the employer is looking for!

THE SALARY QUESTION

Try not to be the first to bring this up. Try not to have to give a specific number – give a range.

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Do your homework – find out what the industry average is for that position in that city. Ask what the general salary range is for new hires in this position.

BEHAVIOURAL QUESTIONS

Describe a time when you set a goal for yourself and explain what you did to achieve it. Tell me about a time when you worked as part of a team and someone wasn’t pulling

his/her weight. How did you manage the situation? Describe a time when you disagreed with a supervisor or professor. What did you do? Your supervisor gives you a task to accomplish by a certain deadline. You feel that you

will not be able to finish the task satisfactorily in the allotted time. What do you do? Tell me about a time when your commitment to quality or excellence allowed you to

exceed a customer or supervisor’s expectations.

ANSWERING BEHAVIOURAL QUESTIONS

Use the STAR approach: S SITUATION What was the situation? T TASK What was the task? A ACTION What action did you take? R RESULTS What happened and what did you learn?

INAPPROPRIATE QUESTIONS

According to the Human Rights Code, interviewers cannot discriminate against a candidate on the basis of: Age, Ethnicity/Race, Religion, Marital Status, Gender, Appearance, Physical Ability, Criminal History, Sexual Orientation

EXCEPTION

The only way that an interviewer can discriminate against a candidate is if he/she can prove that the factor is a direct requirement for the specific position.

For example….physical strength is a direct requirement for fire fighters.

PROFESSIONAL IMAGE

An interview is your first chance to make a great first impression Be sure to dress appropriately (no jeans & t-shirts) Do not chew gum Arrive a few minutes early

DURING THE INTERVIEW

Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake Allow the interviewer to indicate where you should sit

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Sit up straight but try to look relaxed Do not fidget Maintain appropriate eye contact with everyone in the room Take your time in answering questions Ask for clarification if necessary

THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

Thank the interviewer(s) for his/her time Shake hands Send a Thank You Letter Reflect personally and with others about how the interview went and how you could

improve next time!

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SO YOU FOUND A WORK TERM

FIRST STEPS

Reply to employer in writing to accept offer Provide the Student Success Centre with copy of offer Provide the Student Success Centre with complete job description (if not done

previously) Make arrangements to pay your Co-op Fees

INITIAL CONCERNS

How do I find a place to live? What do I do about my student loans? What do I do about health insurance? How do I get a work visa (for international students and students accepting a work term

in a foreign country)? What do I have to do when I am on my work term?

HOUSING

Check with the Student Success Centre: Are there other co-op students are going to the same city? Are there other co-op students leaving that city?

Check Housing Boards at colleges & universities in that city Ask your future employer for suggestions! Check the Co-op Housing Search Links page of our website:

(http://jobs.lakeheadu.ca/co-op-housing-search-links/)

STUDENT LOANS

Normally, people have to start repaying their loans after they are out of school As a co-op student, you are eligible to forego payments while you are on a work term

4 MONTH WORK TERMS OSAP LOANS - Nothing Required BANK LOANS - Nothing Required 6+ MONTHS WORK TERMS OSAP LOANS - Visit Financial Aid Office for forms BANK LOANS - Check with bank for process to apply for extension to interest-free period. You may require a letter from Registrar’s Office to confirm status as full-time student

HEALTH INSURANCE

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While you are on your work term, you are considered a full-time student and will be automatically charged $157.50 in September for the LUSU Health Plan.

If you will have other extended health benefits while on your work term, you may opt out of LUSU's plan (only in September).

OPTING OUT

To opt out of the plan, you must send LUSU an opt out form by the September deadline. The opt out form can be downloaded from the LUSU website.

***If you are covered by parents’ health coverage, check before you leave for your term to ensure that you will continue to be covered once you are working full-time

HEALTH COVERAGE OUTSIDE ONTARIO

If your work term is in Quebec, you must obtain Blue Cross coverage as Quebec does not recognize OHIP

If you are leaving Ontario for more than 6 months: still covered by OHIP (make sure you have your Health Card with you) must apply for an Approved Absence

COVERAGE OUTSIDE CANADA

OHIP coverage does exist for you outside of Canada if you apply for an Approved Absence.

Ministry of Health strongly recommends purchasing additional coverage (i.e. Blue Cross) OHIP will only cover the Ontario cost of health care - health care in other countries can

be much more expensive than in Canada so you may end up with a large health care bill!

VISA APPLICATION

Co-op Work Permit must be obtained before accepting an offer of co-op employment Co-op Work Permit Application can be found at:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-coop.asp Must include Confirmation Letter from the Student Success Centre

ON YOUR WORK TERM

Review the Co-op Program Process regularly to ensure you are keeping up with requirements: http://jobs.lakeheadu.ca/the-co-op-program-process/

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WORK TERM REMINDERS WEEKS 1&2

Submit On-line Confirmation Form Update your resume

WEEK 4 Begin to plan for your Work Term Report

WEEK 7 or 8 Prepare for a Monitor with the Co-op & Employer Relations Officer

WEEK 9 Encourage your supervisor to begin your Work Term Evaluation

WEEK 13 Complete first draft of Work Term Report Discuss possibility of extension with your supervisor

WEEK 15 Discuss your Work Term Evaluation with your supervisor Provide your supervisor with a copy of your Work Term Report and request

he/she completes necessary paperwork CONTINUALLY…

Keep in touch with the Student Success Centre Alert the Student Success Centre of any problems/concerns Check the Work Term Reminders Work on your Work Term Report

WORK TERM REPORTS

Each academic unit has different requirements for the work term report. Guidelines are available on the website.

Work Term Reports are approximately 10 pages in length. Work Term Reports are due 1 week after the end of a work term.

END OF EACH WORK TERM Must submit the following to the Student Success Centre:

Work Term Report Work Term Evaluation Form (from Supervisor) Exit Interview Form

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SCHOOL-TO-WORK TERM TRANSITION

BUSINESS CONDUCT

As a Co-op Student, you are representing: Yourself Lakehead University The Co-op Program

If you make a positive impression, an employer might hire you again or may hire more co-op students in the future. If you make a negative impression, you likely will not be rehired and the employer may choose not to hire co-op students in the future.

DRESS STANDARDS

Appear professional in your dress and grooming. Ask your employer after you accept their offer what appropriate dress is for the position.

First impressions count!

MEETING & GREETING

Make the effort to introduce yourself to your new colleagues. Try to establish effective working relationships from the start. It is polite to stand and shake hands confidently when you meet a person for the first

time.

ETHICS

You may face ethical decisions in the workplace – ask yourself which choice would allow you to act with honesty, fairness and respect.

Maintain confidentiality – do not discuss your organization’s business, clients and competitors outside the workplace.

Avoid making offensive jokes or using offensive language. Avoid getting involved in gossip and office politics. If you are allowed to make personal phone calls, use this privilege sparingly (local calls

only). Do not take office supplies home for personal use. Do not use your computer, internet or e-mail for personal use. Do not work on your co-op work term report on company time (unless approved by your

supervisor).

EFFECTIVE WORK HABITS

Earn your supervisor’s respect by establishing effective, professional work habits Do not assume that you are eligible for overtime, flexible hours or other benefits

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You may be evaluated on these work habits: ATTENDANCE PUNCTUALITY ENTHUSIASM DEPENDABILITY COMMUNICATION INITIATIVE TEAM WORK ORGANIZATION

E-MAIL COMMUNICATION

Use only as appropriate according to company procedures Use strictly for business and not personal use Always include a topic in the subject header Keep messages short, concise and clear Check spelling and grammar Review message to ensure it carries the meaning and tone that you intend Include your title, company name and telephone number in your signature at the end of

each message Always use a salutation and a closing statement

TELEPHONE COMMUNICATION

Return messages promptly Identify yourself and the reason for your call Speak slowly, clearly and concisely Leave detailed messages on voice mail including your name, company and phone

number

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HEALTH & SAFETY ISSUES

WHAT IS OUT THERE TO PROTECT WORKERS?

Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (Ontario Ministry of Labour) Copy should be posted in every workplace along with the poster "Extracts of Ontario

Health and Safety Act" Outlines general and specific health and safety responsibilities/duties/rights of

employers, supervisors and workers

EMPLOYER Must ensure workplaces are healthy and safe by:

identifying and acquainting workers/supervisors with workplace hazards removing and/or controlling hazards monitoring workplace levels and keeping records of worker exposure to hazardous

substances/agents determining personal protective equipment to be worn establishing safe working procedures; providing instruction and supervision ensuring all measures/procedures prescribed by regulation are carried out must take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers

SUPERVISOR

Must tell workers about all hazards Must ensure workers wear personal protective equipment and follow safe working

procedures Must take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers

WORKER

Must wear personal protective equipment required by employer Must follow safe working procedures Must report all hazards to supervisor/ employer Must not engage in horseplay Must report all injuries/illness occurring at work to employer

RIGHT TO REFUSE UNSAFE WORK

If a worker has reason to believe a job or piece of machinery could endanger himself/herself or any fellow worker, that worker can legally refuse to do the job or work on/with that equipment.

Certain workers mentioned in the Act cannot refuse to do unsafe work

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RIGHT TO KNOW ABOUT HAZARDOUS MATERIALS/AGENTS

Workers have a right to know about any hazardous materials/agents in the workplace and measures to be taken to protect the workers from any health effects

Some substances/agents have specific regulations to control their use in workplaces (i.e.: Designated Substances Regulations)

OTHER HEALTH & SAFETY RELATED LEGISLATION

Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act Hazardous Product Act (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System -WHMIS) Environmental Protection Act National Building Code Ontario Fire Code Canada Labour Code, Part IV (applies to workers under Federal jurisdiction)

WHAT IS OUT THERE FOR YOU IF YOU GET HURT/ILL?

Workplace Safety & Insurance Act (Administered and enforced by the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board - WSIB)

Purpose is to compensate and/or cover medical expenses/ rehabilitation to workers for injury/disease occurring in the workplace and to provide education to prevent accidents from occurring

All injuries/illnesses requiring First Aid or Medical Aid must be reported to and recorded by the employer even if the worker does not miss any time away from work. All lost time injuries/ illnesses and medical aid situations must be reported to WSIB

BASICS OF ACCIDENT PREVENTION

1. Identify hazard type and location, then 2. Remove hazards where possible, or 3. Control hazards where you cannot remove them by:

Engineering - e.g. machine guards, ventilation, etc. training workers in safe working procedures

4. Workers must wear personal protective equipment when/ where required by employer. (Last line of defence since PPE does not prevent an accident from happening but only minimizes the chance of injury.)

5. Make sure personal protective equipment is in good condition; is clean/sanitized; is the right type for job; fits properly; is used properly; and is stored properly when not used

6. Remember, if protective equipment is required to be worn, it is a legal requirement and can be enough reason to fire you if not worn

WHEN IDENTIFYING HAZARDS, LOOK OUT FOR…

Materials: (used and produced) type; quantity/size; location; flow through workplace Environment:

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quality of air (e.g. toxins) temperature/humidity noise building structures and plant layout condition of walking and working surfaces poor housekeeping

GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS 1. Know the Law 2. Prepare yourself for the job:

know and follow safe working procedure wear the required personal protective equipment plan each job ahead of time find out about Emergency Procedures don't take chances especially if you are overtired or not feeling well warm up your muscles especially before lifting and use proper lifting techniques take special precautions for work in confined spaces or at heights

3. Prepare your work area: clean up area before you start ensure lighting is adequate set up work station in the safest way possible

4. Make sure all equipment/machinery is safe to use: inspect before use; do not use if in bad repair check and follow maintenance schedule (preventative maintenance)

5. Know how to use all hazardous chemicals safely: make sure there is a proper label on all chemical containers make sure you read any hazard information on chemicals worked with (ask for

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)) make sure you are trained in transport, storage, use, disposal, clean up and

health effect/first aid for each hazardous chemical used 6. Know how to use equipment/machinery/materials safely:

know how to turn off equipment/machinery do not take shortcuts know and follow lock-out procedures make sure all machines with exposed moving parts are guarded

7. Keep work area(s) clean when working: use proper storage areas, not aisles use proper waste receptacles, especially for chemicals, glass etc. do not pour chemicals down the drain store chemicals immediately after use - make sure they are labelled clean up spills immediately, but follow proper procedures if chemicals are

involved (Report to your Supervisor) warn other workers of slip/trip hazards and/or post warning signs

8. Report all hazards to your supervisor! 9. Know what to do if an accident happens!

go to the First Aid Station (injury/illness) report property damage to your Supervisor

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NOTE: If you suffer any unusual symptoms like headache, eye irritation, nausea, etc. report immediately to First Aid.

HUMAN RIGHTS CODE

The Ontario Human Rights Code is a provincial law that gives everybody equal rights and opportunities without discrimination in specific areas such as jobs, housing and services.

The Code's goal is to prevent discrimination and harassment because of race, colour, sex, handicap and age, to name some of the sixteen grounds.

HARASSMENT

Canadian Human Rights Commission definition: “any unwanted physical or verbal conduct that offends or humiliates you” and it can “consist of a single incident or several incidents over a period of time”.

WHAT TO DO

Tell the harasser to stop. Make it clear that his/her actions are not welcome Document your case – keep a written record of the incidents (time, place, witnesses)

and the steps you took (told harasser to stop, reported incident to management) Contact the appropriate person at the organization Contact the Student Success Centre

***If you do not receive the desired results from these steps, you may need to file a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

Website Links

Ontario Ministry of Labour-Occupational Health and Safety: http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/ Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) for workers: http://www.wsib.on.ca/wsib/wsibsite.nsf/public/Workers Young Worker Awareness Program: http://www.yworker.com/ Public Services Health & Safety Association: http://www.healthandsafetyontario.ca/PSHSA/Home.aspx Ontario Ministry of Labour-Employment Standards Act: http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/pubs/guide/index.php Ontario Human Rights Code - Hiring Guide: http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/resources/Guides/hiring Ontario Human Rights Code - Human Rights at Work: http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/resources/Policies/atwork