Information for Students

Co-op expectations for students

Students are representatives of Sheridan and should conduct themselves accordingly in a professional manner. Students must abide by all co-op and internship policies and procedures. The responsibilities of the student include:

  • Pay the $535 co-op/internship fee
  • Successfully complete the COWT 10022, 10023, 53816 (COEF) preparatory course
  • Maintain good academic standing
  • Actively seek employment (definition: apply to 20% of all jobs posted through Sheridan Works)
  • Carefully read job postings, and remit all requested documentation (transcripts, cover letters)
  • Conduct an independent job search by using personal initiatives in partnership with CEIO Advisors to secure appropriate work term opportunities
  • Complete all co-op work term assignments
  • Exhibit professional conduct during job search and work term
  • Learn something and have fun

When on the job:

  • Relate your classroom learning to the workplace – this benefits both student and employer
  • Exercise ethical workplace conduct and represent Sheridan with a standard of conduct and performance which will further enhance the relationship between Sheridan and the employer
  • Maintain employer confidentiality
  • Abide by the policies and procedures of your employer
  • Accept constructive feedback, suggestions for improvement in a positive manner
  • Resolve problems or issues that may arise in a prompt, professional manner
  • Be a productive and responsible employee and take initiative as appropriate
  • Advise the employer and Co-op/Internship advisor of any concerns or problems with work assignments or environmental issues as soon as they arise
  • Set realistic expectations and goals that will encourage self improvement and benefit the employer
  • Sheridan has a 30-year history of facilitating cooperative education experiences, and annually arranges more than 7,500 work-integrated learning opportunities. Work-integrated learning is an essential part of the Sheridan experience, especially for those students in one of our degree programs.

    As Canada's largest art school, a core tenet of our curriculum and focus of our career-integrated learning programs is grounded in trying to help students find paid co-op and internship work terms. Our programs also include comprehensive business training to ensure students understand how to value their time and effort, whether as freelancers or in a more traditional business structure, regardless of whether it is an agency or production company.

    As mandated by the Minister of Colleges and Universities in Ontario, our degree programs require 420 hours of internship to graduate. Our priority is to always advise and support students in seeking paid employment. We have long advocated to employers that student work should be valued, and unpaid work can be exclusionary, particularly for those students who do not have the financial means to support themselves without an income. Our team of experienced professionals helps students and employers make the process seamless. Through our SheridanWorks! portal, employers can upload jobs to the job board and review co-op/internship job applications, select interviewees, participate in virtual interviews, rank students for job offers.

    While students may not always find paid work to meet their internship program requirements, some students opt to acquire those hours through mentorship. Students who want to pursue an alternative learning experience via mentorship must apply with the Career-integrated Learning team. It will be approved as long as it meets specific conditions.

    We pride ourselves on working closely with many employers offering co-op and internship opportunities. This includes regular educational sessions where we help employers gain access to a wide range of tax credits and wage subsidies to offset the cost of hiring our students. These include the Government of Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit (CETC), the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) offered by Employment and Social Development Canada, and the Drive Ability Open Doors Program, funded by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

    Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Sheridan also launched its new Virtual Internship Program in 2020, which paired students with community organizations to address real-world issues. The Virtual Internship Innovation Accelerator program engages groups of interdisciplinary student teams to research and provide ideas for the most pressing challenges in a wide range of industries and creates a meaningful solution to a specific problem. Now into its third consecutive year, the program has been incredibly successful and has been recognized by CICan for program excellence. The program also includes a 10-week Career-Ready Competency program, complementary learning modules and a guest speaker series with relevant webinars throughout the program.

    Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design

    Sheridan's Faculty of Animation, Arts and Design (FAAD) is Canada's largest art school. Internationally recognized for our outstanding programs, we train performers, animators, filmmakers, designers, and artists to realize the full potential of their talents. With countless Oscar, Emmy and Canadian Screen Award accolades, graduates and faculty members are recognized as leaders in their respective industries. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is infused into our programs, ensuring that the unique identities and talents of our students and faculty are valued and can contribute to the rich diversity of our arts programs.

    If you have any questions about becoming a co-op employer, funding supports, or hiring a co-op student, please email sheridanworkscoop@sheridancollege.ca.

  • About Co-op & Internship Programs

    Learn about co-op and internship programs – their purpose, their benefits, how to enroll, and how to prepare for the work term.
  • Average Wages

    Check out the salary surveys from the last two semesters to get an idea of what students from your industry have been paid on past work terms.
  • Sheridan Works

    All available positions for co-op and internship programs are posted through the Sheridan Works platform

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