*CIEP: Co-op Internship Experience Program
INTERNSHIP JOB POSTINGS BEGAN APPEARING AUGUST 19, 2010. All jobs have been posted on the Service Canada Job Bank, with a message to reference the On Co-op site for the complete job description. Other job boards may have picked up on these postings. Please check our Job Postings Page for all Internship jobs!
On this page…
- 2010/2011 Program Status
- Program Overview
- Testimonials
- Hire a past intern!
Welcome to the Co-operative Internship and Experience Program (CIEP)! The information below provides both our potential hosts and interns with some basic information about the program: a status update on the new program, an overview of the program in general, some testimonials we have received from both hosts and interns over the past 3 years, and resumes of some recent graduates of the program.
2010/2011 Program is APPROVED!
On Co-op has recently received confirmation of funding for the 2010/2011 program! The first intake of interns will begin on September 27, 2010.
If you are a host organization (Ontario co-op, credit union, caisse populaire or co-op sector stakeholder) which is interested in hiring and mentoring a recent post-secondary graduate for a 26-week work placement, please review the details and criteria for the program and then send in your host application form no later than August 18. [August 27 Update - The deadline has passed and no more host applications can be accepted.]
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- This co-operative internship program should not be confused with “co-op placements” used within the high school system. The CIEP program places eligible interns with host organizations from business co-operatives and credit unions across the province, and interns will become familiar with this very successful and unique business model throughout their placements. To learn more about what a co-operative is, please click here.
- This internship program is designed specifically for YOUTH (30 and under), as a means to provide this demographic with relevant work experience after completing their post-secondary studies. This criteria is stipulated in our contractual agreement with Service Canada under the Youth Employment Strategy program, and is by no means meant to be age discriminatory. Other programs exist for individuals who do not meet this criteria, and you are encouraged to contact your local employment agency for more information on other employment programs.
Program Overview
A Brief History…
On Co-op, in partnership with its funder, Service Canada, launched the Co-operative Internship and Experience Program in 2002. It was created to respond to the need for wage-assisted employment opportunities within the co-operative sector. More importantly, the CIEP was designed to combine the co-op sector’s commitment to social and economic principle, with its dedication to professional excellence, innovation and growth.
Initially, the CIEP was a skills-based program, directed at youth who were high school graduates and experiencing some sort of “barrier” to employment. Since 2007, the program has become a career-focused initiative, geared towards recent college and university graduates under 30, whose only “barrier” to employment is a lack of work experience. Click here for a complete list of Eligibility Criteria which all intern candidates MUST MEET in order to qualify for the program.
While the program is designed to focus on building upon the career skills and work experience of the interns, there is also a 3-day “Skills Enhancement & Workshop Series” in Guelph, Ontario during the 26-week program, which is mandatory for all interns to attend. Hosts will be notified ofn the dates before the interview process, to ensure that their candidates are available to attend.
- The workshops offer intern-participants a balance between soft skill development (e.g., communications, multi-tasking, team work and leadership, conflict resolution, workplace diversity, etc.) and providing them with a solid foundation of the co-operative model of business enterprise, the movement, and the sector in general. It is also a wonderful opportunity for interns to meet and practice their networking skills; guest speakers/workshop leaders are often from within the sector. Interns will also have the chance to visit with several local co-operatives to enhance their overall understanding of the model. A sample itinerary from a past workshop series is included here as a reference.
The program has been very successful in matching up talented young individuals with hosts who are in need of assistance in completing special projects and tasks. Many interns have found permanent or contract work within their host co-op or another co-operative upon completion of their placements!
It’s about Youth Engagement and Succession Planning…
The Co-operative Internship and Experience Program is about engaging and introducing today’s youth into the co-operative sector. Interns participate in a 26-week work placement, complemented by various learning and career development opportunities. This program has definite win-win benefits for both host employers and interns: it assists in giving interns a meaningful work experience and skills that are transferable to any line of work, and it addresses the growing need co-operatives have for fulfilling human resources voids within their organizations, and to include and empower today’s youth within them.
CIEP is a fantastic way to expose young people to the diversity that is the co-op sector, while creating our potential leaders and successors of tomorrow!
Program Growth and Success…
The program has expanded significantly over the years and is eagerly anticipated by various host organizations each time it is offered by On Co-op…
|
|
2002-2003 |
2003-2004 |
2004- 2005 |
2006-2007 |
2007- 2008 |
2009- 2010 |
|
Number of Interns |
8 |
12 |
10 |
36 |
30 |
37 |
|
Number of Hosts |
6 |
10 |
10 |
28 |
23 |
23 |
|
Full-Time Employment |
1 |
5 |
2 |
11 |
12 |
15 |
|
Contract Employment |
5 |
3 |
4 |
8 |
4 |
8 |
|
Back to School |
0 |
1 |
0 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
|
Seeking employment with transferable skills |
2 |
2 |
4 |
12 |
11 |
13 |
The CIEP is part of On Co-op’s Lifelong Co-operative Learning initiatives, and perhaps one of the most important steps in the integration of educated and enthusiastic young people, into the co-operative sectors. Most interns who participate in the program come with little-to-no knowledge of the co-operative model or movement. Whether or not they remain in the sector after their placements end, they always leave the program with new-found knowledge and awareness of a unique business model, which they can then share with their peers and networks.
For some of the great things both hosts and interns have had to say about the program, please read the testimonials section below.
Testimonials…
... From Interns ...
“The experience I got through the program has been very valuable and has better prepared me for a career in finance and the business world. Working with On Co-op has been enjoyable, and they have done a great job teaching and preparing their interns through conferences, networking and regular communications. This internship has been an important and helpful first step for me along my career path. The commitment of the association to new graduates and their futures has taught me about the value of the co-op system and the value of working with and helping others.” (Desjardins Intern, 2009/2010)
“I have lived in a co-op my whole life and I volunteer in a co-op. However, having the opportunity to pursue an internship in this sector has been very valuable and memorable. This process has been about analyzing, understanding and experiencing the co-operative phenomenon from a completely different perspective: as an employee.” (Campus Co-operative Residences Intern, 09/10)
“Without this internship I would not have been able to build upon my skills…I have really enjoyed my time here and learned so much about the co-operative and about people with intellectual disabilities. (Common Ground Intern, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“The Co-operative Internship Experience Program has provided me with an exceptional opportunity to develop my professional skills, and for this I am thankful! It has been a great experience learning more about the strength and robustness of the co-operative business model, and utilizing my skills and knowledge within this sector.” (On Co-op Intern, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“Thank you so much for putting on a wonderful conference, I had a really good time and enjoyed not only learning about all the new ideas but meeting all the other interns.” (C.O.I.N. Intern, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“A big thanks to you and everyone else at ON Co-op for what has been a very rewarding experience in the cooperative sector.” (Common Ground Intern, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“Throughout my internship I was given the opportunity to touch on the many unique areas of Communications. This allowed me to use some of the tools and knowledge I acquired in school, in addition to adding new pieces to my portfolio. I was also encouraged to sign up for webinars, attend events outside of the office and attend various meetings.” (On Co-op Intern, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“I would consider a career in the co-operative sector again as both of my experiences have been extremely positive. I think the values that the co-op sector upholds are great and the business model as a whole incorporates a lot of the values that I hold.” (On Co-op Intern, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“(My host) has helped me out a lot, and has been a great mentor. I feel some confidence in finding a career now.” (Team Werks Co-op Intern, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“Before this internship, I had heard of larger consumer co-operatives like Mountain Equipment Coop and agricultural coops in my hometown where I grew up on a farm. I had little understanding of the democratic process of running or working in a co-op, however, nor the process of incorporating as a co-op in Ontario. I was also unaware of the close connection between co-operatives, nonprofits, and the social economy sector.” (CEDNET Intern, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“Not only have I been provided with the tools and skills that are necessary to further my career in this field but I’ve also been infected with the enthusiasm I see in the social economy sector. It has been inspiring to attend conferences where professionals are so passionate about their work and selfless in their endeavors…This experience has made me more confident and impassioned to continue this work.” (CEDNET Intern, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“This internship provided me with a huge understanding of the co-operative sector. I understand the types of co-ops that exist, how they run, and what makes them unique from typical businesses.” (PCPC Intern, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“I learned so much at the 3-day workshop series. The knowledge I learned there applied directly to my job, my future in the working world, and in life. So glad I was able to participate in it!” (PCPC Intern, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“Before my internship, I was struggling to figure out what I wanted to do with my life…and after my internship, I have come to the conclusion that I would definitely like to expand my knowledge and experience with co-ops and hopefully someday, be part of the co-op movement.” (Intern, 2007-2008 CIEP)
“The experience I got through the program has been very valuable and has better prepared me for a career in the finance and business world…This internship has been an important and helpful first step for me along my career path.” (Intern, 2009-2010 CIEP)
“From a personal standpoint, this workshop series built my confidence as a young professional and made me hopeful for a future in the co-op sector. We met some amazing people who undoubtedly will prove to be valuable resources in our future career goals and challenges.” (Intern, 09/10)
“My mentor was extraordinary - she took the time from her busy schedule to introduce me to many aspects of running a successful co-op, and allowed me to become involved in many unique projects… I speak of this unique opportunity every chance I get!” (Intern, 07/08)
“I learnt so much at the 3-day workshop series. The knowledge I acquired there applied directly to my job, my future in the working world, and to life in general. I’m so glad I was able to participate in it!” (Intern, 09/10)
“I was able to obtain full-time permanent employment because of the intern-ship program. This is because while I was an intern I gained experience with decision-making, leadership, organization, as well as independent learning, and I was able to talk about these skills and experiences confidently during the interview.” (Intern, 07/08)
“During the 3-day workshop series, I was able to explore various co-operative forms while also developing an appreciation of the social character of the co-op sector through conversations with guest speakers.” (Intern, 07/08)
... From Hosts …
“I think the program allows organizations with small budgets to be connected with great candidates, and job seekers to get hands on experience within the Co-op sector; allowing them to learn a variety of skills and tools necessary for their future job opportunities.” (Homestarts, Inc. Host, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“In my opinion the internship program is to help an individual discover themselves, while the host helps this individual in a positive way in helping them identify their strengths and weaknesses and guiding them in a favorable career path. Although internship can be a time consuming adventure, I would do it again.” (Conseil de la cooperation de l’Ontario Host, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“This is an excellent program to introduce potential builders, employees and eventual leaders in the Co-op sector.” (Team Werks Host, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“We have had a range of tasks needing to be done that an intern could choose amongst to form a work plan and possibly identify a special project more aligned with their interests. The interns have extended our reach in getting these important things done, as well as providing themselves with accomplishments that they can carry forward into their next job search.” (Campus Co-op Residences Host, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“I think it’s really important to continue to expose new graduates to a variety of business models. Co-ops have a range of employment opportunities to offer and a need to attract recent graduates to their workplaces. This kind of program not only has an impact on the interns themselves, but on the potential ripple effect of their friends and contacts of co-ops as a good place to work.” (Campus Co-op Residences Host, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“The internship had a very positive effect on our organization. (The intern) brought international experience and human rights knowledge to the team, and was excellent when working with our partners.” (Common Ground Host, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“It has been a very positive experience, as we are more able to provide affordable assistance to onsite staff who are often bogged down with the day to day operations of their respective co-operatives.” (Homestarts, Inc. Host, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“Many thanks to (On Co-op) for their support through this process. (The intern) enjoyed the 3-day conference and the Queen’s Park reception experience, and brought information and results back to the co-op…this intern matched the quality of the previous one and we all benefited.” (C.O.I.N Host, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“Our intern received invaluable training in the co-op model at the 3-day workshop session, which helped him to understand how co-ops fit into community economic development and social economy. Also, through the internship program our intern made networking connections that were beneficial not just for himself but for our organization as well.” (CEDNET Host, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“This program is a great way for a young person to gain some experience. New graduates often lose out on job opportunities because they lack experience. The internship gives them a good base to get them to the next step – employment. It also gives the co-operative the opportunity to have some fresh ideas/innovations brought to the organization. Overall, a great opportunity for both the intern and the co-op!” (Kingston Community Credit Union Host, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“This is a great program and we have used it before. The (intern) provided an opportunity to accomplish tasks we would not have gotten to, plus she educated us too!” (Science-44 Co-op Host, 2009/2010 CIEP)
“Our experience with the CIEP has been extremely positive. We received many impressive resumes and were very happy with the person that we hired - she is now a permanent employee.” (Host, 07/08)
“What more could a non-profit charitable co-op organization ask for - a capable and enthusiastic employee! We have found the experience right from the start working with On Co-op very positive…I am looking forward to the next internship program.” (Host, 07/08)
Hire a CIEP Graduate!
Hiring a graduate of the CIEP could be a wonderful opportunity for you and your co-op or credit union!
They have completed their placements and spent the past months developing their job skills, while learning about the co-operative model and how the principles apply to their own host organizations.
Interns also completed an intensive 3-day workshop series that together with various skill-building sessions, also provided them with an opportunity to visit several local co-ops and gain a more in-depth understanding of the co-operative business enterprise model and how it applies to diverse sectors.
Many of our graduates continue to look for for opportunities within the sector from which to transfer their new-found knowledge and skills. If you have an opening within your co-op and/or even some contract work that you would like completed, why not consider hiring one of our past interns?
Below are biographies of some of the recent CIEP graduates. If you are interested in contacting one of them or another intern for a potential employment opportunity, please e-mail Audrey Aczel or call 1.888.745.5521 x.24.
