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Work Experience Program

Amy (social sciences) was a research technician for Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Interested in gaining relevant work experience, but don't want to commit to four co-op work terms? The Work Experience Program (WEP) is a shorter, flexible alternative to the traditional Co-op Program.

Program areas

The Work Experience Program is currently available for students studying in these departments and faculties:

Computer Science
Fine Arts (History in Art, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, Writing)
Humanities (list of Humanities departments and programs)
Mathematics and Statistics
Science (Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Ocean Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics and Astronomy)
Social Sciences (Anthropology, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology)
Graduate Studies

How it works

The Work Experience Program is similar to the Co-op Program, but is shorter and more flexible. You can join at any point in your degree, and you'll complete fewer work terms with employers in your field of study than the number required by the co-op program:

Undergraduate WEP students complete one or two work terms instead of three to four
Graduate WEP students complete just one work term

WEP students receive the same benefits and support as co-op students—you'll have a designated co-op coordinator to support you along the way.

To learn more about co-op and work experience jobs, average salaries, schedules and more, please see our Co-op FAQ page.

Transferring to the Co-op Program

Once accepted into the Work Experience Program, you can choose to transfer to the co-op program later if you meet co-op requirements. You can then complete more work terms and graduate with the full "Co-op" designation on your degree.