Study and work in Vancouver!
A Co-op educational program, short for cooperative education program, is a structured method of combining classroom-based education with practical work experience. It is designed to integrate academic learning with real-world work experiences, allowing students to gain practical skills and knowledge in a professional setting.
In a Co-op program, students alternate between periods of academic study and periods of employment in positions related to their field of study. The goal is to provide students with hands-on, practical experience in their chosen field, helping them apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations and enhancing their overall education.
Participating in a Co-op program can give students a competitive advantage in the job market by providing them with a strong combination of theoretical knowledge and practical, workplace skills.
A Co-op or vocational program will allow you to study and work. You can choose from programs of 48 weeks (24 weeks study, 24 weeks work) up to 112 weeks (56 weeks study, 56 weeks work). We have different streams: marketing, communication, tourism, international business management, and leadership in our Co-op programs.
Our Career Co-op Programs will get you working in Canada. Choose subjects related to your interests, and gain valuable skills that you can apply in your career.
During your study term, you will complete the required diploma programs for your selected career co-op. In addition, you will take elective courses to improve your English communication skills and competencies.
During your work term, you will find work related to your Diploma program(s), with free job-finding assistance from LCC’s Co-op Coordinator. You can work up to the same number of hours that you studied, but not more.
In the Post-Work Tutorial, you will review the strengths and weaknesses you noticed as an employee and formulate your future career plans.
Before registering for a co-op program, you need to show proof of English Proficiency. This can be done by providing a valid IELTS, TOEFL, CLBPT or CELPIP score, or by taking LCC’s free online English assessment.
You need a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 or higher in at least two skills (no skill lower than 4), OR successful completion of the Business Diploma Program (BDP).
Before starting the co-op work term, all students are required to:
In addition, international students are required to:
24 weeks study +
24 weeks work
Choose from:
Global Tourism (GTD) with Co-op
Leadership Preparation (LPD) with Co-op
International Business Management Skills (IBMS) with Co-op
Professional Communication and Marketing (PCM) with Co-op
Digital Marketing and Office Administration (DMOA) with Co-op
32 weeks study +
32 weeks work
Choose from:
Global Tourism (GTD) with Co-op
Begin your co-op program with the Business Diploma Program (8 weeks).
Leadership Preparation (LPD) with Co-op
Begin your co-op program with the Business Diploma Program (8 weeks).
International Business Management Skills (IBMS) with Co-op
Begin your co-op program with the Business Diploma Program (8 weeks).
Professional Communication and Marketing (PCM) with Co-op
Begin your co-op program with the Business Diploma Program (8 weeks).
Digital Marketing and Office Administration (DMOA) with Co-op
Begin your co-op program with the Business Diploma Program (8 weeks).
48 weeks study +
48 weeks work
Choose from:
Marketing and Management (PCM + IBMS) with Co-op
Management and Leadership (IBMS + LPD) with Co-op
Management and Tourism (IBMS + GTD) with Co-op
Marketing and Tourism (PCM + GTD) with Co-op
Business Operations and Digital Marketing (LPD + DMOA) with Co-op
56 weeks study +
56 weeks work
Choose from:
Marketing and Management (PCM + IBMS) with Co-op
Begin your co-op program with the Business Diploma Program (8 weeks).
Management and Leadership (IBMS + LPD) with Co-op
Begin your co-op program with the Business Diploma Program (8 weeks).
Management and Tourism (IBMS + GTD) with Co-op
Begin your co-op program with the Business Diploma Program (8 weeks).
Marketing and Tourism (PCM + GTD) with Co-op
Begin your co-op program with the Business Diploma Program (8 weeks).
Business Operations and Digital Marketing (LPD + DMOA) with Co-op
Begin your co-op program with the Business Diploma Program (8 weeks).
The Professional Communication and Marketing (PCM) Diploma introduces students to practical skills of workplace communication using the communicative approach. Areas of focus will include product and customer research, writing promotional materials, building relationships with customers, using social media at work, and managing relationships with bosses, coworkers and employees. Students are required to do independent activities, graded assignments and/or exams for each course; each student will work on individual as well as group projects.
Read MoreThe International Business Management Skills (IBMS) Diploma program is designed to introduce concepts and develop skills needed to manage a business in an international context. IBMS introduces students to practical skills of international workplace management using a communicative approach. Areas of focus will include the cultural context of global management, creating global teams and networks, cross-cultural negotiation and decision-making, international management ethics, risk assessment and management, trade finance, payment methods, and formulating global strategies.
Read MoreThe Global Tourism Diploma (GTD) program is designed to introduce concepts and develop skills needed to be a competent member of an international travel planning team. This program provides a background on tourism service suppliers and their social, cultural and political impact, as well as practical introductions to event planning, tour guiding, tourism promotion and customer service. Case studies and common travel problems will be examined.
Read MoreThe Leadership Preparation Diploma (LPD) Program with co-op is designed to introduce concepts and develop skills needed to be a future leader. LPD enables students to develop strong decision-making and organizational skills, to clarify goals and to lead a team. Students are required to do independent activities and graded assignments.
Read MoreThe Digital Marketing and Office Administration Diploma (DMOA) Program with Co-op is designed to help participants develop practical and organizational skills to handle administrative tasks in general office settings with a focus on online marketing and junior bookkeeping skills. DMOA enables students to learn the fundamentals of online marketing and gain hands-on experience by applying the latest digital marketing skills. Students are required to do independent activities, graded assignments and/or exams for each course; each student will work on individual as well as group projects.
Read MoreReview the admission policy and our other policies. If needed, take our free online English assessment.
Choose your preferred start dates. If the course is full, you may need to switch dates.
Are you applying from outside Canada?
Make sure to check the latest travel advice and advisories from the Government of Canada.
Here are answers to some of the most common Co-op Questions.
If you have permission on your study permit, you can work up to 20 hours/ week while you study. For additional details, please check with the IRCC.
International students require:
Hours of work will depend on your Co-op study options. You can check your number of hours on your letter of acceptance. The work term in hours must not be longer than your study term in hours. You can expect at least the current BC minimum wage ($16.75/hour from June 2023).
The complete program (including both study and work components) runs from a minimum of one (1) year up to a maximum of two (2) years. The work term must not be longer than the study term.
Students are encouraged to communicate all difficulties to a registrar or the Co-op Coordinator. If you need to leave a job, you can still work in other jobs for your Co-op Program, but you will need to have the new Co-op work placement approved by the Co-op Coordinator.
Students need a Social Insurance Number and adequate medical insurance. Information on how to obtain a SIN card and medical insurance are included in your application package. Students can visit any local insurance agency or broker to purchase an additional private medical insurance plan. LCC requires students to provide proof of medical insurance before starting the program.
Although the Co-op Coordinator will support you and is in contact with many employers, Co-op students are encouraged to search for jobs and attend interviews during the study term. LCC provides lists of past co-op employers, employment websites, and up-to-date job market information. Business Diploma Program students write a resume and cover letter and practice interviewing techniques, so they will be ready to start job-hunting when they finish studying.
If you need additional support during your job hunt, you can attend one of our free weekly job search workshops. Check with a registrar or the Co-op Coordinator for the dates and times. Private advisory sessions are available for an hourly fee.
Vancouver is a big city with many opportunities, and Co-op students usually find jobs. However, there is no guarantee that students will find a position. Finding a job depends on employability (work experience, job skills, personality) and the local job market.
You need to provide a notice of withdrawal or copy of a refusal of study permit by email or in person. Depending on when you need to withdraw, you may be entitled to a partial refund. Please check LCC’s refund policy. This information is required by IRCC; In other words, we have to inform IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) of your status and close your file here at LCC.
Yes, you can take a break. However, diploma programs have 24 weeks of classes and each week has different material to study. As a result, you may need to wait up to 24 weeks to enroll in the missed week again after a break.
We strongly recommend that you take your break after your study term.
If you have to take a break during study, your study term will be extended and your work term may be reduced (depending on your work permit end date). We allow you to take a break only if you have enough visa duration to complete your study and work terms.
All changes require two weeks’ advance notice to the LCC office. You will pay a service fee.
