Career Co-op Programs

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.

How it Works

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.

Study Term

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.

Work Term

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.

Work Experience Policy

Post-Work Tutorial

In the Post-Work Tutorial, you will review the strengths and weaknesses you noticed as an employee and formulate your future career plans.

Co-op Entrance Requirements

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).

  • Students with higher CLB levels but no Canadian work experience or resume are also encouraged to take BDP, which will prepare them to work in Canada.

Before starting the co-op work term, all students are required to:

  • be at least 19 years old when the work term starts
  • successfully complete the co-op study term
  • have a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN).

In addition, international students are required to:

  • have a Canadian Co-op Work Permit
  • carry Canadian medical insurance for the duration of the program.

Program Lengths and Options

48 Weeks

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

64 weeks

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).

96 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

112 weeks

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).

Program Details

How to Apply

Step One

Review the admission policy and our other policies. If needed, take our free online English assessment

Step Two

Choose your preferred start dates.  If the course is full, you may need to switch dates.

Step Three

Register Now!

International Students!

Are you applying from outside Canada?
Make sure to check the latest travel advice and advisories from the Government of Canada.

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most common Co-op Questions.

I received Off Campus Work permission on my study permit. Can I work anywhere during my study term?

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.

I’m an international student. Do I need a work permit for a Co-op Diploma Program?

International students require:

  • a Canadian Study Permit and a Co-op Work Permit (LCC can provide a letter of acceptance once you register for a Co-op program  and then you can apply for a Co-op Study and Work Permit).

How many hours will I work in my work term and how much will I earn?

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).

How long is the Career Co-op program?

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.

What if I don’t like my job or if I have a problem at work?

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.

What other documentation do I need to work?

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.

Is LCC responsible for helping me find a job?

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.

What if I cannot find a job by myself?

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.

Am I guaranteed to find a job?

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.

What happens if I have to withdraw from my Co-op Program?

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.

Can I take a break during my study component?

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.