WORK EXPERIENCE EDUCATION
STUDENT HANDBOOK
George Brown College
Centre for Business
Work Experience Education
200 King Street East, Room 314A
Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2T9
Tel: 416-415-5000, ext. 2143
Fax: 416-415-2145
Email: [email protected]
www.georgebrown.ca/coop
August 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................3
OVERVIEW…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
WORK EXPERIENCE ELIGIBILITY ...............................................................................................................4
Advanced Diploma Programs ...............................................................................................................4
Graduate Certificate Programs………………………………………………………………… ....................6
Bachelor of Applied Business Degree Program (B.A.B.) ......................................................................7
WORK EXPERIENCE PREP COURSE .........................................................................................................8
WORK EXPERIENCE FEE ............................................................................................................................8
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................................... 9
Staff/Faculty Roles ...............................................................................................................................9
Student Responsibilities .......................................................................................................................9
International Students......................................................................................................................... 10
Employer’s Role ................................................................................................................................ 11
WORK EXPERIENCE JOB REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................ 11
GBCAREERS FIELD EDUCATION WEBSITE ............................................................................................ 13
SELF DIRECTED ......................................................................................................................................... 13
WORK EXPERIENCE EMPLOYMENT PROCESS...................................................................................... 14
WORK TERMS OUTSIDE OF CANADA ..................................................................................................... 16
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS .......................................................................................................... 17
Page 2 of 19
Field Education Office
200 King St. E., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5A 3W8
Phone: 416-415-5000
Dear Work Experience Student,
The Work Experience Education Student Handbook is intended to be your reference and guide throughout
your program, and during your Work Experience Prep course. This handbook will be used to help explain
some of the procedures and policies that the Field Education Office follows to ensure a safe and fair
application process and work experience.
Field Education Office Staff
Trisha Grace
Co-op Education Officer
Ext. 2956
[email protected]
Claudia Mellad
Co-op Education Officer
Ext. 6221
[email protected]
Elizabeth Montes
Co-op Education Officer
Ext. 3658
[email protected]
Don Christie
Co-op Education Officer
Ext. 2926
[email protected]
Tara Cracknell
Co-op Education Officer
Ext. 3471
[email protected]
Kitishia Cordner
Co-op Student Services and
Administrative Assistant
Ext. 2667
[email protected]
Student Inquiries & Application Issues
Ext. 2143
[email protected]
Ext. 2993
[email protected]
Michael Andich
Manager, Field Education and
Partnerships
Ext. 6158
[email protected]
Page 3 of 19
OVERVIEW
Work Experience offers you the opportunity to:
 explore career interests to help you determine the type of job you want after graduation
 gain practical knowledge about various workplace environments, expectations, behaviours and ethics
 gain relevant work experience and contacts that will help you secure a full-time job
 develop your practical employability skills
 be eligible for an annual award for excellence throughout the Work Experience process
Staff work with organizations of all sizes small to large including; companies, associations, non-profits and
governments to develop work term positions. They will assist students in acquiring the necessary skills to obtain a
work term position. Success in obtaining a work term will depend entirely on the student’s efforts.
The Work Experience Program:
 does not guarantee you a job
 is not a job placement service
 is an opportunity for you to learn about potential work environments related to your program of study
 is a competitive process and employers decide if and who they will hire
 will help you to develop job search skills not only for the work term, but for your future career plans
It is up to each student to do everything possible to secure an approved job, either through a position the Field
Education Office posts or through their own job search. Success also requires that personal job search by each
student extends beyond the opportunities posted by the Field Education Office. Students will be competing with
their class peers as well as students from other colleges and universities.
Finding a work term position requires a lot of effort by each student. The Work Experience Prep course will help to
provide each student with the skills and tools to search for an appropriate position.
WORK EXPERIENCE ELIGIBILITY: ADVANCED DIPLOMA PROGRAMS
Students in their first year of studies in one of the following 3-year Advanced Diploma programs are eligible to
register for the Work Experience option:
 Finance (B150)
 Marketing (B158)
 Supply Chain (B151)
 Accounting (B157)
 Human Resources (B154)
 International Business (B161)
 Business Administration (B155)
 Retail (B163)
 Project Management (B156)
Students must meet the following requirements for the Work Experience option:
1.
Registered in the “Work Experience Prep Course” (BUS1000) in their third or fourth academic
semester.
2.
Have successfully completed COMM 1007.
3.
Meet or exceed the Academic Eligibility requirements*, which are currently:
 Cumulative Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) of 3.0 or higher
 No more than one course failure
*Please note that academic performance is reviewed prior to the Work Experience Prep Course and each work term.
Page 4 of 19
WORK EXPERIENCE ELIGIBILITY: ADVANCED DIPLOMA PROGRAMS (continued)
Work Term Sequencing Options for Diploma Programs:
The Diploma Programs require full-time students to complete two mandatory work terms. The Work
Experience Prep course must be taken in either the third or fourth academic semester. Students must
complete 2 four-month work terms or can choose to complete two work terms back-to-back (with the review
and approval of your Co-op Officer). The first work term must be completed prior to Semester 5, and the
second work term must be completed prior to Semester 6 (which should be the student’s final academic
semester).
Work Term Sequence Option #1
Work Term 1
(4 months)
Semester 4
Work Term Sequence Option #2
Semester 1
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 2
Sem. 3- Work Experience Prep
Class
Semester 3
Semester 4- Work Experience
Prep Class
Work Terms 1+2
(8 months)
Work Term 1
(4 months)
Semester 5
Semester 4
Work Term 2
(4 months)
Work Terms 1+2
(8 months)
Semester 5
Work Term 2
(4 months)
Semester 5
Semester 6
Semester 6
Additional Notes:
 Your first work term must be completed prior to your fifth academic semester. If you do not
complete a work term by then, you will be transferred into the non-work experience stream for your
program. ***Exceptions will not be made for any student!***
 You cannot finish your academic program with a work term: you must be enrolled in classes for the
final semester of your program.
 Please be aware, participating in the Work Experience option changes your program to 8
semesters as opposed to 6.
Page 5 of 19
WORK EXPERIENCE ELIGIBILITY: GRADUATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
The Graduate Certificate Programs are 12 months in length and require one mandatory work term (two 4month academic semesters and one 4-month work term) in the following areas of study*:





Sport and Event Marketing (B400)
Marketing Management-Financial Services (B406)
Human Resources Management (B408)
Strategic Relationship Marketing (B409)
Digital Media Marketing (B413)
Work Term Sequencing
B400/B406/B409/B413
Semester 1- Work Experience
Prep Class
Work Term
Semester 2
B408
Semester 1
Semester 2 – Work Experience
Prep Class
Work Term
Marketing Management-Financial Services, Sport and Event Marketing, Strategic Relationship Marketing &
Digital Media Marketing: Work terms occur after the first academic semester. There is only one mandatory
work term in this program.
Human Resources Management:
Work terms students occur after the second academic semester. There is only one mandatory work term in
this program.
*Students that do not complete their mandatory work term as scheduled for their program (as shown above)
will have one additional semester to secure a position under Self-Directed status and will require approval
from their Co-op Officer before commencing their work term.
Page 6 of 19
WORK EXPERIENCE ELIGIBILITY: BACHELOR OF APPLIED BUSINESS (BAB) FINANCIAL
SERVICES PROGRAM
The four-year Bachelor of Applied Business Financial Services degree includes a mandatory paid work
term. Students are expected to take their Work Experience Prep Course (BCOP1000) in their second
semester, which would be the Winter or Spring/Summer semester depending on when the student began
their program.
Students may complete a work term in any Spring/Summer semester. While it is possible to complete a
work term in the Spring/Summer semester after first year, it is not advised as students will be competing
against students further along in the program and will not likely have the knowledge required of demanding
work term opportunities.
Students are advised to complete their Work term in the Spring/Summer semester after second or third
year, once they have chosen a specialization and taken courses in their chosen area of study.
Regardless of when the work term is done, BAB students must still end the degree program in an
academic semester. That is to say, the last semester will be in class, not a work term. To graduate on
schedule, students should complete a work term prior to semester 7.
Courses in the first year of the B.A.B. degree are common to all students in the program. After the first
year, students are required to choose one of the following two major areas of study in which to specialize:
 Personal Financial Planning (B301)
 Accounting (B321)
Work Term Sequencing: BAB work terms are in the Spring/Summer Semester from May – August.
Work term(s) must be completed before semester 7 to graduate on schedule.
Fall Start:
Winter Start:
Semester 1 & 2
Semester 1 & 2
Possible Work Term
Semester 3 & 4
(not advised)
Semester 3 & 4
Possible Work Term
Possible Work Term
Semester 5 & 6
Possible Work Term
Semester 5 & 6
(last chance for work term)
Possible Work Term
Semester 7 & 8
(last chance for work term)
Semester 7 & 8
BAB students who wish to complete a work term in a Fall or Winter semester must speak to their Co-op
Officer in their second year or as soon as possible. This could delay graduation.
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WORK EXPERIENCE PREP COURSE (BUS 1000, 4000, BCOP 1000)
In this required academic course, students will assess their skills and create a personal profile, and develop job
search skills that include: effective resume and cover letter writing, interviewing and networking skills. Students
will learn how to identify positions of interest, how to job search and apply to positions posted through the Field
Education Office. This course must be taken; all work completed, and must be passed before students go out on
their first work term.
Course Outcomes and Objectives
To obtain a copy of the Work Experience Prep Course outline and Curriculum Planner, please refer to the George
Brown website for additional information at www.georgebrown.ca.
WORK EXPERIENCE FEE
What is the Work Experience Fee?
Your Work Experience fee helps to cover the costs of running the Work Experience Program. It is currently $450
per work term. Below is a breakdown of what it covers:

Employer Promotion: mailings, phone calls, visits, preparing marketing materials

Administrative and Communications Activity: job postings, interviews, confirming work terms,
monitoring visits with students and employers

Database Administration: ensuring accurate employer/student information, grades administration and
follow-up

Student Prep/Career Advising: delivering Work Experience Prep Course, resumes, grades, evaluate
work term reports, interviews, job search
Work Experience Prep
Courses/Work Term
Work Experience Prep
Course (BUS 1000 or 4000
and BCOP 1000)
Work Term #1
Work Term #2
Undergraduate
Diploma Programs
(B150, B151, B154,
B155, B156, B157,
B158, B161, B163)
$450.00
$450.00
$450.00
n/a
Postgraduate
Certificate Programs
(B400, B406, B408,
B409, B413)
Page 8 of 19
Bachelor of Applied
Business (BAB) Degree
Program
(B301, B321)
No separate fee. Work
Experience Prep and work
term costs is included in first
year tuition of this four year
program
n/a
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FIELD EDUCATION OFFICE
Staff Roles:
There are several staff members in the Field Education Office, including four Co-op Officers and one
Administrative Assistant. In order to assist students successfully prepare for and complete their requirements, staff
members do the following:
1. Direct and prepare students for the job search process, interviews and expectations in the workplace
through delivery of the required Work Experience Prep Course.
2. Assist in class and in clinics, which involves coaching on self-directed job search and individual job search
strategies.
Note: Students requiring significant one-on-one career and/or other types of counselling services may be
referred to Academic and Student Affairs.
3. Solicit work term employment opportunities from a variety of corporate, government and non-profit
employers and post job opportunities applicable to the specific programs.
4. Manage the competitive job search process to accommodate the needs of employers and students.
5. Post jobs, forward resumes to employers, schedule interviews, and notify students of hiring decisions.
6. Conduct work term site visits (in person, via telephone or via email, where applicable) and be available to
discuss student concerns and mediate between students and employers as necessary.
7. Monitor and assess your overall participation in the Work Experience process including, but not limited to:
assessment of your required work term documentation, and the employer’s evaluation of your job
performance during your work term.
Note: You may be assigned to more than one Co-op Officer during the Work Experience process.
Faculty Roles:
In addition to the Field Education Office Staff, faculty members will also be involved in assisting students through
the Work Experience process. Faculty will be responsible for the following:
1. Approve job opportunities posted to the GBCareers Field Education website and student developed job
opportunities (self-directed) by ensuring they meet program requirements and outcomes.
2. Assign final grade to work terms based on in-work term assignments completed by the student and the
final Employer Evaluation.
Student Responsibilities:
In order to successfully complete your program’s work experience requirements, students are required to fully
participate in and complete the Work Experience Prep course, pay relevant administrative fees and fulfill the
following:
1. Have an active George Brown College (GBC) email address and a voicemail account, which is checked at
least twice daily during job searching and the work term, to receive information such as job postings,
interview scheduling, etc.
2. Complete various assignments as outlined in the Course Outline document.
Note: Late assignments without documentation will receive a failing grade, resulting in a ‘NP’ (Non-Pass) in
the Work Experience Prep course.
3. Students are required to sign the Work Experience Prep Course Policies Summary Contact on the first
day of the Work Experience Prep class.
4. Keep an updated resume, cover letter and contact information (including name, telephone number, and
GBC email address) on the GBCareers Field Education website.
Page 9 of 19
5. Actively search for and apply to jobs through an independent job search and through the job competition
process using the GBCareers Field Education website, and apply by the date and time required. (All
GBCareers Field Education postings close at 11:59:59 PM on the specific deadline date).
6. Students must apply to a minimum of five (5) job postings by the end of Intersession Week the semester
prior to their work term.
7. Apply for jobs of interest and program relevance only, since declining an interview request, without a valid
reason will count as a student Decline. Students are required to attend interviews scheduled during
Intersession Week; any missed interviews will count as declines.
8. Accept and respond to interview invitations within 24 hours; no response will be counted as a Decline.
9. Attend all scheduled interviews or, if there is a course related conflict (exam, in-class presentation, etc.),
notify the Field Education Office in advance so that we may contact the employer and reschedule on your
behalf.
Note: After missing or declining two scheduled interviews the student will be placed on Self-Directed Status
(Refer to the section on Self-Directed Status for additional information).
10. Students must conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner during all phases of their work
experience program with all stakeholders (Field Education Office, Faculty, Employers, Fellow Students,
etc.)
11. Students are strongly encouraged to accept the first suitable job offer (e.g. program relevant, good
learning experience, etc.) rather than postponing a decision and risk not securing a work term.
12. Maintain a record of all job search activities including Self-Directed searches.
13. Accept or decline a job offer, by responding within 24 hours. Once you accept an offer you are committing
to complete the work term as agreed to with the employer. Declining an offer requires careful
consideration. Remember that you may not necessarily receive another interview or job offer.
Note: After declining two job offers, a student will be placed under Self-Directed status.
14. Previous part-time or full-time work cannot be counted towards your work term.
15. Once an offer is accepted, the student must inform the Field Education Office of any scheduled interviews
so that they may be cancelled.
16. Students must submit all completed required paperwork prior to starting their work term.
Note: Hours will not be counted until all paperwork has been successfully submitted by the student and received by
the Field Education Office.
All Work Experience Prep classes are mandatory. Students who miss any classes will receive a NP (NonPass) as a final grade for the course. Students will be required to retake the course next semester and delay
the completion of their work term, at their own expense.
International Students:
This section is for students attending George Brown College on a student visa.
In order to work in Canada on a work term, International Students must complete the work-permit process required
by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. If Canadian Immigration authorities, for whatever reason, do not approve
an individual student’s work permit, those students will not be eligible to work in Canada and therefore do not meet
the Work Experience program graduation requirements.


Your work permit is only valid the duration of your work term as outlined on your Work Term Agreement
form.
The Field Education Office must see the original copy of a work permit and/or job validation and a copy of
the Social Insurance Number
Page 10 of 19
Students will not be permitted to begin their work term until they have submitted these documents to the Field
Education Office.
See Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that their work permit is valid for the duration of the work term.
Employer’s Role:
Although this applies to all jobs, this is particularly important for self-directed opportunities. In order to successfully
participate in a self-directed job search and complete your Work Experience requirements, you must seek an
employer who will:
 Provide productive, relevant employment related to your program of study, a job description,
orientation, supervision and on-the-job training, and previously agreed upon compensation and
benefits.
 Assist you with establishing achievable learning objectives.
 Participate in an on-site work term monitoring visit with the Co-op Officer.
 Complete, discuss and return the George Brown College End of Term Evaluation Form.
WORK EXPERIENCE JOB REQUIREMENTS IN ORDER TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR A WORK TERM
For Advanced Diploma and Graduate Certificate programs, students must work a minimum of 10 weeks of
employment with one employer and complete a minimum of 360 hours worked.
For Degree programs (BAB B301 & B321), Work integrated learning experiences that amount to no less than 14
weeks of full-time equivalent work (420 hours), either in one block, or in multiple cumulative blocks appropriate to
achieving the program learning outcomes. For more information, please speak to your Co-op Officer.



Note that the following are minimum requirements to obtain credit for all programs, and so it is expected that
you will work for the entire academic semester unless otherwise agreed by the employer prior to the beginning
of your work term.
Work in a position that is relevant to your program and has been approved by the Field Education Office.
Receive a satisfactory work term evaluation from your employer prior to the end of the work term. The
evaluation you receive must be Marginal or higher. The Work Term Employer Evaluation Form will be
provided to the employer by the Field Education Office; this is available upon request.
Work Term Grading:
 The Work Experience Prep course and the work term are both Pass/Fail credits. In order to pass Work
Experience Prep and their work term students are required to:
 attend all classes and complete all assignments on time
 Submit the Employer Evaluation Form from their supervisor at the end of the work term. The evaluation
categories are Outstanding, Very Good, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement and Unsatisfactory. An
Unsatisfactory mark is considered a failing mark and students will not receive a credit.
 Complete three blog posts on work term related activities
 Complete a reflective essay on their work term experience
Page 11 of 19
Terminations:
Your employer has the right to dismiss a student for just cause. Students who are terminated by an employer must
notify the Field Education Office immediately. If you are terminated from your work term job, the situation will be
reviewed by the student, employer, and Co-op Officer to assess the circumstances. The students’ grade/credit will
be based on the outcome of that review.
Liability for Dismissal: George Brown College and its employees will not be held liable in any way for losses
incurred due to dismissal from employment on a work term.
Strikes, Layoffs or Plant Closures during a Work Term:
In the event of any kind of work stoppage, students must contact their Co-op Officer immediately. The Field
Education Office and the employer will provide guidance. If employment ceases, efforts will be made to assist the
student in finding another work term opportunity.
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GBCAREERS FIELD EDUCATION WEBSITE
The GBCareers Field Education website is a web-based system used in the Work Experience Program at George
Brown College that allows students to:




upload and manage documents (resumes, cover letters, transcripts, etc.)
search and apply for jobs
set up interviews
access the forms required for work terms
Work Experience students are trained to use GBCareers Field Education during the Work Experience Prep
Course.
INDEPENDENT JOB SEARCH
To increase your success in the job search process you must use your own network, target specific employers and
apply to jobs on your own in addition to jobs posted on GBCareers Field Education.
If you find your own job through an independent job search then you must submit the job description with the “Self
Directed Job Approval Form” to the Field Education Office for approval by your Co-op Officer before starting a job
to ensure that it meets program requirements and deadlines.
SELF DIRECTED STATUS
Self-Directed Status means you will not have access to jobs posted on GBCareers Field Education and will be
required to find your own job, subject to approval by your Co-op Officer.
Students may be put on Self-Directed Status as a result of:









failing to provide the Field Education Office with an appropriate resume or other documents in order to meet
deadlines
inappropriate behaviour during an interview
failing to report to work after accepting a job
unacceptable behaviour during a work term
violation of human rights codes
dismissal/termination from employment for just cause
declining 2 scheduled interviews or 2 job offers or 1 scheduled interview and 1 job offer without a reasonable
explanation
insufficient number of applications to job postings, i.e. not applying to at least five (5) jobs by the end of
Intersession Week
quitting a work term position
Page 13 of 19
WORK EXPERIENCE EMPLOYMENT PROCESS: JOB APPLICATIONS, INTERVIEWS AND JOB OFFERS
Step 1 – Review the Jobs Posted:
Jobs are posted continuously on the GBCareers Field Education website. This is an automated job posting system
and it is activated during the fourth or fifth week of the semester prior to your work term. Students will receive an
overview on how to use this system during the Work Experience Prep course and a copy of the GBCareers Field
Education Student Training Guide.
Step 2 – Apply to Jobs:
Jobs will continue to be posted on the GBCareers Field Education website as they become available. The
deadline to apply to positions is 11:59:59 P.M. on the posting deadline date. Please be aware students will not be
able to apply after the deadline has passed. Students must apply to job postings with a resume AND cover letter,
referred to as a package.
Resumes and cover letters will be reviewed by the Field Education Office. If errors are noticed in a student’s
resume or cover letter, the application package will not be sent to the employer. Students whose application to a
particular job is not sent will receive an email from the Field Education Office outlining the reason and how to avoid
similar mistakes in the future. The Field Education Office forwards all error free GBCareers Field Education
applications to the employer. At times, an employer will request that students apply directly to the organization via
email or their website. Work Experience employers are not to be contacted directly unless directed to do so by the
Field Education Office. Once a job offer has been accepted, a student is no longer permitted to apply to, be
interviewed for, or accept any other positions.
Step 3 – Job Interviews:
Interviews are usually scheduled starting the fifth week of each semester and are ongoing. Interview times are
based on employer scheduling and availability. Interviews are normally conducted at the employer’s location,
although they may be held in the Field Education Office or over the phone. You cannot contact the employer
directly either before or after the interview unless the Field Education Office requests that you do so, with the
exception of sending a Thank-You note after an interview.
Scheduling/Declining an Interview:
Interview invitations are sent via email, so it is absolutely necessary for students to check their George Brown
email account several times daily. Interview times must be selected within 24-hours of receiving the invitation via
email. Once a time has been selected, it cannot be changed unless the Field Education Office has been notified.
If a time is not selected, it will count as an interview decline. If the times offered on GBCareers Field Education
conflict with a previously scheduled interview, exam, or in-class assignment, the student must immediately notify
the Field Education Office by email and provide a reason for not attending, as well as 3 alternate dates/times that
they will attempt to reschedule the interview to.
Declining an interview because you have changed your mind is not an acceptable reason. If the student needs to
decline the interview, an email must be sent to the Field Education Office. If a student declines two interviews,
they will be placed on Self-Directed status and will be required to find their own job.
Page 14 of 19
Step 4 – Job Offers:
The Field Education Office will email job offers to students and/or may sometimes contact students by phone.
Students have 24-hours, to accept or decline a job offer. Sometimes employers will offer students job offers
directly. Once a student has accepted a job offer, they will not be permitted to keep applying to jobs whether
through GBCareers Field Education or on their own. Once a position has been accepted and/or the Work Term
Agreement has been signed, the student is expected to fulfill the commitment and work until the end-date
specified in the agreement.
Students that accept a position either verbally or in writing have made a commitment to work with that employer
for the scheduled work term. If a student rescinds/declines the offer the student will receive a NP (Non-Pass) for
their work term and will be required to complete their Work Term in a future semester, on a Self-Directed status
and will have to pay the Work Experience Fee (currently $450).
Declining a Job Offer:
It is important to be professional in declining an offer of employment. The student should have a specific reason
for not accepting an offer. Because the Work Experience process is very competitive, waiting for an unspecified
“better job” is neither a good or possibly acceptable (by your Co-op Officer) reason to turn down a job.
Employers have a finite number of positions and may be considering students from other programs at GBC and
other colleges. Students should not apply to a particular position unless it is of great interest and meets the
specific job skills and learning outcomes of their program.
Each student has 24-hours to accept or decline a job offer. Students may decline one offer per semester. If a
student declines a second offer without a reasonable explanation, the student will be placed on Self-Directed
Status and be required to find their own job.
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WORK TERMS OUTSIDE OF CANADA
Our employer recruiting efforts are largely targeted at locally-based organizations in the Greater Toronto Area. We
do not solicit international opportunities. Unless a student is returning to their home country to work, we do not
recommend these experiences for the initial work term.
Students who develop an international opportunity outside of Canada through a Self-Directed search are reminded
that they must obtain all necessary Visas, Work Permits, and any other required documentation by the Centre for
International Students. Additional insurance coverage should also be obtained independently.
Students who will be completing their work terms at an International location must inform their Co-op Officer,
submit all required documentation and gain approval for their position from the Field Education Office, before
leaving the country.
Note: Students who do not follow process outlined above will not receive credit for their International
work term position and will be required to re-do their work term, and pay another fee of $450.00.
If you have further interest in this option, you must speak to your Co-op Officer. These two independent
organizations (not affiliated with GBC) may be helpful if you are interested in working abroad.
Student Work Abroad Program
Canadian Federation of Student Services
44 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2E4
Website: www.swap.ca
Telephone: 416-779-3703
A.I.E.S.E.C.
1450 City Counselors Street
Suite 540
Montreal, Quebec H3A 2E5
Telephone: 514-987-1325
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(1) What will I be paid on my work term?
a) Diploma and Graduate Certificate Students: Many of our employers provide students with some form of
compensation (salary, honorarium, etc.) The positions we post may be paid, unpaid, commission-based or
otherwise. Salaries are usually paid bi-weekly or monthly and the honorariums are typically paid once at
the end of the work term. This will be determined by the employer. Occasionally an employer will pay a
bonus based on performance at the end of a work term. This would be based on discussions with the
employer.
b) Bachelor of Applied Business Degree Students: All work terms in this program must be paid.
(2) Are Work Experience students entitled to Vacations/Sick Leave/other absences?
Typically, Work Experience students are not entitled to paid vacation days or paid sick leave. If you must miss
work due to an illness or a real emergency, you must inform your employer as soon as you become aware that
you will not be able to be at work. You will be required to make arrangements to make up lost time, or your pay
may be reduced, and you should also make arrangements for documentation (doctor’s note, death certificate,
etc.). Vacations should be planned around the time before or after the work term is scheduled and any deviation to
this must be negotiated with the employer in advance.
(3) Are students responsible for their own transportation and accommodation?
Students are responsible for the costs of their own transportation to and from work and for their own
accommodation costs. Occasionally students will be offered work assignments out-of-town or in remote locations.
Some employers may assist in locating and/or providing lodging.
(4) Can I withdraw from the Work Experience Program and have my Work Experience fee refunded?
Students can only withdraw and receive a $450.00 refund from the Work Experience Prep Course if they follow the
relevant policies for withdrawing from a course within the due date for each semester. Please refer to the
College’s Important Dates for Students, available on the College’s website:
http://www.georgebrown.ca/registernow/important-dates.aspx.
For more information see:
http://www.georgebrown.ca/Admin/VPAcad/policies/gbacademicpolicies3.pdf
(5) I am a student in an Advanced Diploma program. Can I return to the same employer to do a 2nd work
term?
It is quite common for employers to ask successful students to return to work in subsequent terms. Some
positions are posted with this expectation, and some employers have offered promises of full-time employment for
students who elect to take all of their work terms with that employer. Occasionally employers seek students who
can do eight months straight which is deemed as two consecutive work terms.
Note that a second work term with the same employer is subject to approval by your Co-op Officer and an
additional Work Experience fee ($450) is required. Students may only work a maximum of two consecutive work
terms (8 months, back to back).
(6) When is the Work Experience Prep Course taken?
Diploma students are required to take the Work Experience Prep Course in their third or fourth academic term,
and go on their first work term prior to their fifth academic term. BAB students are required to take the Work
Experience Prep Course in their second academic semester. Graduate Certificate students must enroll in the
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Work Experience Prep Course in their first semester, with the exception of students in the Human Resources
Management program (B408), who enroll in the Work Experience Prep Course in their second semester.
(7) Can I purchase a GO Pass at Student Rates while on a work term?
While on a work term, the Registrar’s office is able to maintain access to the student discount pass. For the most
up-to-date information, please refer to the following: http://www.georgebrown.ca/current_students/faqs/#gotransit
(8) Am I eligible to receive OSAP while on a work term?
Students must meet with an OSAP Officer to discuss their specific situation and determine if OSAP payments
should be discontinued during the work term. Failing to properly advise OSAP of potential changes in your
earnings (if on a paid work term) may impact your eligibility for further OSAP funding and may have implications
for your tax filing with Revenue Canada. For more information please visit George Brown College’s Financial Aid
website: http://www.georgebrown.ca/financialaid/
(9) Where can I find more information on requirements for International Students?
For further information regarding requirements for International students, please contact the Centre for
International Students, by telephone at 416-415-5000 ext. 2115, or by email at [email protected].
(10) Does the Field Education Office follow up with me or my employer during my work term?
A Co-op Officer will contact the student and their employer to arrange a work site visit during the work term to
assess the student’s learning objectives, duties and responsibilities. The work site visit may be conducted at the
employer’s location, over the phone, or via email.
(11) What are my options if I don’t find a position by the time my work term semester begins?
There may be students who do not obtain employment. Students should book an appointment with their assigned
Co-op Officer as early as possible, to review job search efforts to date and to discuss further strategies.
Note: Co-op Officers will continue their efforts to assist students to secure a position where appropriate.
If a student does not find a position in time for their work term, the student will be required to pay an additional $450
and search for a Self Directed position for a following term.
(12) What happens after I complete my work term?
Other than the B408 (Human Resources Management) program, students will resume their studies as they must
end their program on an academic semester. In some cases, an employer may request a student to continue
working part-time while resuming their studies, but keep in mind you will not be able to apply this part-time work to
a potential future work term. Students should also ensure resumes and cover letters are modified to reflect newly
acquired work experience, as well as the skills/knowledge that the current academic semester (if applicable) will
provide.
(13) Can I quit my work term position?
Students are not permitted to quit a work term position. However, any serious issue that may arise during a
student’s work term must be brought to the attention of your Co-op Officer immediately. Most workplace situations
between an employer and a student can be resolved through the mediation efforts of a Co-op Officer. A student,
who resigns from their work term position before consulting with their Co-op Officer, will receive a failing grade and
will not receive credit for their work term.
(14) I have quit or been terminated from my position. Can I begin another work term with another employer
and accumulate the hours?
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Typically, once a student has been terminated or quit a position, he/she will not be eligible to complete the work
term until the next semester. Hours will not be accumulated or carried over unless there are extenuating
circumstances. Students must contact their Co-op Officer immediately as every situation is different.
(14) Can I complete my work term with a family member or at my family business?
Students should not work for a family member. If the opportunity to work in a family business exists, the student
should speak to their Co-op Officer immediately and be completely transparent about their relationship to the
employer and the nature of the opportunity.
(15) I am an International Student and have not received my work permit yet. Can I begin my work term
position while I wait for it to arrive?
International students are not permitted to begin a work term or work on a voluntary basis until they have
physically received their work permits and submitted copies of their documents to the Field Education Office.
(16) I have secured a work term. What forms do I need?
 Work Term Agreement Form – for positions posted on GBCareers Field Education or approved by a Coop Officer
 Student Declaration of Understanding WSIB - for unpaid work terms
 Learning Objectives Form
 Self Directed Job Search Form – for positions found outside of GBCareers Field Education.
Work Term Agreement and WSIB forms must be submitted prior to beginning your work term. Hours will not begin
to be accumulated until these forms are submitted. Additional forms are required for work terms outside of Ontario
or outside of Canada that must be complete before the student’s work term is approved.
(17) What is the ‘2 Declines’ rule?
The ‘2 Declines’ rule is associated with the interview and job offer stage of the job search process (as tracked in
GBCareers Field Education). If you are invited to an interview and decline the invitation, this counts as one
Decline. Also, if you decline a job offer from an employer, this also counts as one Decline.
The ‘2 Declines’ rule states that if you have accumulated two declines- either two from declining interviews, two
from declining job offers, or one from each (equaling two in total)- you will be put on Self-Directed Status and will
no longer have access to jobs posted on GBCareers Field Education.
(21) When must I apply to five (5) jobs and must all 5 jobs be applied to through GBCareers Field
Education?
Students must apply to five (5) jobs by the end of their intersession week. These five jobs do not need to be
through GBCareers Field Education; however, for jobs not on GBCareers Field Education, you must provide proof
of application to your Co-op Officer.
If you have ANY questions or concerns regarding the Work Experience Process, contact the Field
Education Office by phone at 416-415-5000 ext. 2143, e-mail: [email protected] or contact your
Co-op Officer directly.
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