Hire Waterloo interns/co-op students for your small business, startup or scaleup

Collage of people working at small businesses and startups

The future of work is changing. The gig economy, automation and the increase in remote work are just a few of the reasons why it’s a critical time for small businesses and startups to invest in the right kind of talent to help their operations succeed now and in the future.

At the University of Waterloo, we help businesses of every size recognize and leverage the value that co-op students can bring to their workplace: extra hands to advance a project, providing fresh perspectives and energy, or driving advancement by applying digital skills and new technology.

With Waterloo’s job board, organizations can begin building their talent strategies by hiring students with the skills and expertise to work in roles across departments and industries. Our dedicated team is committed to help make finding the right talent for your business go from an uphill battle to a natural fit with the rhythm of your organization.


Top reasons to hire from Waterloo

three people standing next to each otherIt’s easy to find the talent you need.

More than 25,000 co-op students are available to be hired each year. 

lightbulb with money insideIt's an investment in your business.

On average, companies see a return of $2 for every $1 invested from hiring Waterloo co-op students.

piggy bank with coin being put inIt's never been more affordable.

With current grants, tax credits and funding programs covering 50 – 70% of a student's salary. 

computer displaying an applicationIt's always free to post jobs.

Recruit Waterloo co-op students, new graduates and alumni using one system. 


How does co-op work?

register icon1) Register and postAffordable way to fill your talent needs

Access 25,000+ students available for full-time positions.

people sitting across a desk from one another2) Interview and hireTalent from 120+ accredited programs

Hire a student for 12 to 16 weeks.

repeat icon3) RepeatStudents are available year-round

Easily repost your job for the next work term on WaterlooWorks.

Join our Co-op Fundamentals Info Session

Gain insights on recruiting co-op talent, navigating Waterloo's hiring process, applying for funding opportunities and how we can support you.


Jobs Waterloo co-op students can fill

Waterloo students have the skills and expertise to fill roles in various areas such as marketing and communications, research and analysis, web and applications design development and business support services. Learn more about areas students can support in a few common job categories below.

TIP FOR POSTING YOUR JOB:  Employers can use clusters to target students they believe would be best suited for the job. Clusters are sorted into academic (course specific) and thematic (industry specific). Learn more about clusters and how to use them to advertise your job.

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Connect with us. With students from 120+ programs available each term, we can help you find the talent you need.


Industry-leading companies hire co-op students

Waterloo works with small businesses, startups, incubators and local Chambers of Commerce to help businesses of every size hire from Waterloo.

Here’s a small snapshot of organizations that we work with:

  • Remitbee

  • Curvegrid

  • Hockeystick Inc.

  • Vidyard

  • Lumos Health

  • Athos

  • Appficiency Inc.

  • Odaia Intelligence Inc.

  • Sipstack Inc.

  • Pexhouse.com

  • CiteRight

  • Trexo Robotics

  • AceAge

  • Ontario Chamber of Commerce

  • Accelerator Centre

  • Haltech

  • Invest Ottawa

  • Velocity

 

Watch our recent webinar about entrepreneurship in Canada


Top wage subsidies and tax incentives for hiring co-op

A tip to maximize your funding

Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) funding can be combined with the Ontario
Co-operative Education Tax Credit. This means that you might be eligible to receive both types of funding.
 
For example: for each student you hire, you could receive up to $5,000 in SWPP funding plus an Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit of up to $3,000 in expenditures not covered by SWPP!


emily burgess headshot

We can help you find the right talent. Get in touch with Emily!  

Emily is a Business Developer for the University of Waterloo's co-operative education program.  
  
She can provide you with guidance and answer questions you may have about hiring from Waterloo.  
  
Email: emily.burgess@uwaterloo.ca
Phone: (226) 220-1766

 

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