* Work for a Co-operative
On this page ...
- Overview
- Consider the co-op sector when you look for work
- Career tools (work values, skills, Internships)
- Job postings
- Check out the FastLinks at right
OVERVIEW. Co-ops are organizations dedicated to principles of co-operation and democracy. They match personal values and business practices, and they combine this outlook with the daily practise of running a business.
Every co-op is different depending on its size and services. In some, employees work in teams for particular projects or on an
on-going basis. In other co-ops, the Board relies on strong individual managers and leaders with high levels of responsibility.
Something to keep in mind... In all co-ops, the Board sets the direction for the co-op, and all decisions made by individuals, teams, and managers must be consistent with and reflect the
co-op's mission, vision, strategies, direction, and most importantly, the members' needs.
CONSIDER THE CO-OP SECTOR WHEN YOU LOOK FOR WORK
The co-op sector is vast. As part of your job search, look to the
co-op and credit union systems. Co-ops are in every imaginable sector of the economy -- this means you can probably find a job in the co-op or credit union movements in whatever field interests you.
You'll discover large companies and small companies; organizations operating in all sectors of the Ontario economy. Places where you can make your mark.
- Find a job that matches your personal values
- Obtain a community-oriented business experience
- Play a role in the ongoing social and economic development of your own community
- People just like you control the company and will influence your life as an employee
- Your work, ideas and involvement can influence your
co-op's Board, which sets the co-op's direction
Check out the various types of co-ops that exist, especially worker co-ops. You may be surprised at what you learn.
Please check directly with co-ops in your area to see the career opportunities. For a list of the co-ops in your area, visit www.coopsontario.com and search by city, region or postal code.
View this link to hear from people who are working in the sector and the various jobs they hold.
CAREER TOOLS
The Ontario Co-operative Association wants to help you get started in a meaningful, rewarding career in the co-operative sector by providing information, opportunities, and career planning tools.
The following will help you evaluate your work values and desires, explore your options, identify your strengths, apply directly for jobs in the co-op sector and help you decide if a co-operative career is right for you.
YOUR WORK VALUES
Assessing your work values can help you know what types of roles suits you. Click here to learn more about your work values.
YOUR SKILLS
Assessing your skills helps you promote what you have to offer to employers. - What do you have to offer? What skills do you need to develop? Click here to discover opportunities and tips on how to get the skills you need.
CO-OP INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE PROGRAM (CIEP)
Don't confuse co-op placements used by the school system with education on - and within - co-operatives. On Co-op's CIEP program promotes, and expands upon, co-operative business models. The Internship program places recent university and college graduates in Ontario co-ops for six-month placements to learn valuable business skills, while being exposed to the co-op and credit union movement. Many Interns remain in the co-op sector after their placement. Click here to learn more about the CIEP program.
JOB LISTINGS
Potential employees: Click here to see job lists within the
co-operative movement. For Internship opportunities, click here.
Employers: Click here to advertise your career opportunity to interested individuals.
Visit On Co-op's membership pages for links to their sites. On Co-op's members vary in size and scope from small co-ops in the child care or energy sectors to large corporations such as
The Co-operators and Gay Lea Foods.
Check out the co-op links page for connections to co-op organizations, federations and research centres throughout Ontario, Canada and the world.