Back-to-school season isn’t just about buying new textbooks or planning class schedules. It’s about investing in your future. While classroom learning builds the foundation, co-operative education (co-op) experiences provide something equally powerful: real-world confidence, income (often), and connections that last long after graduation.

Why Do Co-op Experiences Matter?

A Competitive Edge in the Job Market


Employers want more than a diploma. They look for candidates who’ve applied their skills in real-world settings. Co-op participants graduate with professional references, project experience, and stories that make their résumés stand out. They often secure jobs faster and with higher starting salaries compared to peers without work placements in their chosen field.

Financial Support While Learning

Education is an investment, and co-op experiences help ease the financial pressure. Paid placements can offset the costs of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses. For many students, this means less reliance on loans and a lighter debt load after graduation. With income coming in during school, you can focus more on learning and less on financial stress.

Building a Professional Network

Connections matter. Co-ops allow students to meet mentors, industry leaders, and peers in their chosen field. These relationships often lead to references, job offers, and future collaborations. It’s not just about who you know. It’s about who knows the skills you bring to the table.

Confidence Beyond the Classroom

One of the biggest takeaways from co-op isn’t listed in course syllabi: confidence. Stepping into a workplace, solving real problems, and contributing to projects helps students see that their skills truly matter. This confidence carries forward…into other projects, job interviews, and eventually your career.

At GREAT, we help community members harness the benefits of co-op-style experiences by:

✔️ Providing a range of co-op and on-the-job training programs, so you can gain hands-on experience that leads to long-term success.

✔️ Helping connect students and job seekers with employers ready to provide meaningful work opportunities.

✔️ Supporting training and skill development that leads directly to workplace success.

✔️ Offering programs that ease financial barriers, so you can focus on gaining experience without unnecessary stress.

Our Employment & Training Coaches work one-on-one with clients to map out a path toward career growth. Whether you’re a student seeking hands-on experience or someone looking to transition into a new role, GREAT is here to make sure your education translates into opportunity.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Co-op experiences are more than temporary jobs. They’re stepping-stones to confidence, financial stability, and long-term career growth. Back-to-school energy provides the perfect opportunity to start planning for your future. Get in touch to explore co-op-style and other educational programs designed to help you thrive.

Because when knowledge meets experience… ”GREAT” things happen!