Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada) has accredited 28 of Conestoga’s co-operative education programs. The accreditation demonstrates the college’s commitment to CEWIL Canada’s standards of quality and establishes Conestoga as just one of two colleges in the province to offer accredited co-op programs.
CEWIL Canada developed a process for accrediting co-op programs to establish co-op as an educational strategy and to provide leadership in ensuring delivery of quality co-op programming. Currently, there are only 37 post-secondary institutions across Canada that deliver accredited co-op programs.
In a letter to Conestoga officials, Muriel Klemetski, chair of CEWIL Canada’s Accreditation Council, congratulated the college on its accreditation status and thanked Conestoga for its ongoing leadership in Canadian co-operative education and adherence to the CEWIL Canada criteria and standards.
As part of the accreditation review, Conestoga was required to demonstrate its institutional commitment to co-operative education, the criteria used to ensure quality program delivery, and the processes, procedures and methods used for monitoring and evaluating the student and employer experience.
Accredited programs maintain their accreditation status for a period of six years and are listed on CEWIL Canada’s website.
“Conestoga has positioned itself as a leader in co-operative education which speaks to our commitment to providing students with quality work-integrated learning opportunities. It also speaks to the valuable relationships we have established with our employer partners,” said Kristine Dawson, director, Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning.
CEWIL Canada’s Accreditation Council has also invited the college to appoint a representative to sit on the council. Conestoga’s Wendy Zufelt-Baxter, associate director, Co-operative Education, will hold the seat.
Through their programs, nearly 70 per cent of Conestoga students have access to work-integrated learning experiences which provide relevant hands-on learning in support of students’ education and future careers. More than 50 Conestoga programs offer a co-op component, resulting in more than 2,000 co-op work terms annually.
For a list of Conestoga co-op programs, visit the college’s website.
Visit CEWIL’s website for more information about co-operative education accreditation.