Apply soon — BU Co-op program opens portal for high-demand opportunity

Brandon University students can now apply to join the BU Co-operative Education (Co-op) Program for the 2025–26 academic year — an opportunity that connects classroom learning to meaningful, career-relevant work experience.

Applications opened this week, and interest is already high. Within the first 24 hours, 14 new applications were submitted, including several earlybird applicants who attended last month’s Co-op Celebration Breakfast. The BU Co-op office expects another strong year, with demand once again outpacing available placements.

“Co-op is a transformative experience — it’s where students start to see how their education translates into action,” said BU Co-op Coordinator Cora Dupuis. “Co-op students gain hands-on experience, earn income, and make essential connections in their chosen field. Many employers come back year after year because our students bring real value to their workplaces — they’re motivated, capable, and eager to learn.”

The BU Co-op program helps students secure paid employment that directly relates to their field of study or future career path. Each Co-op work term qualifies for a 3.0 credit course, emphasizing its role as an important component of a student’s university education. In turn, employers benefit from access to high-potential talent who bring the latest knowledge and enthusiasm into their organizations.

Students also bring what they learn on the job back into the classroom, often with a deeper understanding of their coursework, enhanced self-confidence, and stronger skills in communication and time management.

“After several years of growth, BU Co-op has reached a steady and sustainable pace, where we can continue offering tailored support for every accepted student,” Dupuis said. “We guide Co-op students through every step — from building resumes and preparing for interviews, to making networking connections that often lead to jobs after graduation. It’s a highly personalized experience that has delivered a strong track record of success.”

This year, about 25 new students will be accepted into the program. Applicants must meet GPA and course requirements, and Dupuis works closely with students to ensure co-op work terms are matched to their academic and career goals.

Students in BU Co-op have worked across sectors from municipal government to research labs, from small non-profits to large corporations — and even internationally. Many complete multiple work terms, gaining up to a year of cumulative experience before they graduate.

“I found a great deal of purpose in my Co-op placement,” said Keira Peters, a third-year Chemistry major who plans to return to Co-op this year for her second work term.

Before joining the program, Keira’s previous jobs had been limited to working at a summer camp and a market garden — but through BU Co-op, she took a major stride toward her career goals. This past summer, she worked as a Pharmacy Assistant at Medical Centre Pharmacy in Brandon, gaining hands-on experience supporting patients and learned what it means to be part of Manitoba’s healthcare system.

“I was helping patients who were struggling with chronic and acute pain,” she said. “It really made the work feel meaningful.”

Applications for the BU Co-op Program close on Friday, Nov. 21, with reviews to follow shortly thereafter. Interested students can learn more, check eligibility, and apply through BrandonU.ca/Co-op.

“Co-operative education at BU continues to thrive thanks to Cora’s leadership and initiative,” said Greg Gatien, Acting Provost and Vice-President (Academic). “This is just one of the ways we help students connect their studies to the world beyond campus. Our students’ success, and the enthusiasm of employers who continue to partner with us, speak volumes about the value of experiential learning. It’s an investment in the future workforce and in our community.”

As BU prepares for another year of work terms, the BU Co-op program is also looking ahead to a second year of ConnectED, a networking event scheduled for Feb. 19, 2026. Students, employers, and community partners from Brandon University, Assiniboine College, and the Chamber of Commerce will come together to build new professional connections.

“Every conversation a student has about their skills and goals is practice for the workplace — sometimes it even leads directly to a job offer,” Dupuis added. “That’s what BU Co-op is about: creating moments of connection that shape careers and strengthen communities.”

For more information about the BU Co-op Program or eligibility, visit BrandonU.ca/Co-op or contact the Cora at 204-571-7848.

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