Frequently asked questions
What is CanWork?
CanWork is a pilot program that supports UVic students who identify as having a disability or mental health challenge to engage in meaningful, paid, degree-related work experience during their degrees.
Who can apply for the CanWork Program?
CanWork at the moment is accepting undergraduate students that are registered as second year students and above, who are participating in a program of study that has an optional participation to co-operative education. Check if your field of study has optional or mandatory participation on the UVic Co-op and Career Services web page here.
Are there any GPA requirements?
You don't need to meet certain GPA requirements. At CanWork we believe that your ability to succeed is not directly tied to your academic performance. We do encourage you to engage with the course materials, connect with your peers and reflect on your strengths and challenges.
In what terms will CanWork take place?
The CanWork preparatory course will be completed during the fall term 2020, and the CanWork work term will take place over the spring term 2021 (over the months January to April).
Do I need to participate in a preparation course?
Just like any other co-operative education program at UVic you will be attending the Introduction to Professional Practice course (IPP). This course will be provided in a blended learning online format with lots off opportunities to build connections and report with your job coach, co-op coordinator and peers.
When will the Introduction to Professional Practice course be offered?
Once you are accepted to participate in the CanWork program you will receive access to the online learning platform and asynchronous materials. Synchronous Zoom sessions will be held twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 pm to 1 pm for a span of 7 weeks. The first session will start on Tuesday, October 6, 2020.
What if I am not able to attend one (or more) of the synchronous Zoom classes?
Participation is encouraged, however we understand that there is not a one size fits all format to learning in a virtual environment. The Zoom session will be recorded and posted on the BrightSpace secured platform of the IPP course for review. CanWork job coaches will have open office hours to connect one-on-one support if you need extra support.
Will I still be able to connect with a co-op coordinator?
CanWork supports students from various programs, therefore you will be connected with a co-op coordinator that can support you in the program specific components of your work term. Your main support will be your CanWork job coach that will be supporting you in connecting with your co-op coordinator when required.
What can I expect from the CanWork work term?
Job coaches and your co-op coordinator will support you in connecting with a program approved employer. You will be able to count on support in disclosing your barriers and requesting accommodations if you need it.
Can I work part-time?
The minimum requirement for a work term with CanWork is 315 hours. However, part-time opportunities will have to be established in collaboration with your employer, as part of your request for accommodations. You will be able to count on the support of your job coach to come to an agreement that will suit both you and the employer.
If I decide to pursue a full co-op designation after my CanWork experience, will my CanWork term count towards my required terms?
In case you are considering the CanWork program as a platform to try out cooperative education and decide you want more, that's great!
My field of study has a mandatory participation in co-op. Why can't I apply?
The CanWork Pilot is a limited program. The CanWork pilot does not have the capacity to support students that partake in co-op experiences with a mandatory component at the current time. Please note that experiences and feedback gathered through participating students will assist Co-op and Career Services to build a more sustainable and inclusive co-op program. Thank you for expressing interest in the CanWork pilot program.
I have participated in a co-op program but would benefit from support on my next work term. Why can't I participate in the pilot program?
Due to the nature of this pilot program, eligibility is limited to students who have not yet participated in co-op. Please note that all student and employer feedback gathered from this project will assist Co-op and Career Services to improve supports to all students at UVic. If the current eligibility parameters of the pilot program change, please feel free to provide your contact information in the CanWork shortlist contact form so that we can get in touch with you. At this time, we do not anticipate a change to eligibility criteria however the project team remains open to re-evaluation should the need arise.
I have participated in the IPP course but was not succesful in obtaining a work term. Why can't I participate in the pilot program?
Due to the nature of this pilot program, eligibility is limited to students who have not yet participated in co-op. Please note that all student and employer feedback gathered from this project will assist Co-op and Career Services to improve supports to all students at UVic. If the current eligibility parameters of the pilot program change, please feel free to provide your contact information in the CanWork shortlist contact form so that we can get in touch with you. At this time, we do not anticipate a change to eligibility criteria however the project team remains open to re-evaluation should the need arise.
What is the tuition fee for the CanWork program?
The tuition fee for the CanWork program falls under the category of all other co-op programs (undergraduate). You can find more information on the UVic Co-op and Career Tuition Fees web page.