Conestoga’s co-op program was named among Canada’s best in 2024 by CourseCompare, ranking third out of 20 colleges and universities on the list.
Conestoga’s co-op program was named among Canada’s best in 2024 by CourseCompare.
CourseCompare is a marketplace for education by connecting people to top-rated courses and training programs across the country. Its rankings are based on several factors including student satisfaction, industry recognition, graduation rates, job-placement rates and graduate salaries.
The guide focused on post-secondary institutions with an established track record of integrating academic studies with real-world training, and Conestoga was highlighted in particular for the college’s robust co-op program in the skilled trades.
“Conestoga’s 70 co-op programs are aligned to meet the needs of the Greater Kitchener area, which is part of one Canada’s fastest-growing economic centres. As a community college with trades programs delivered at multiple campuses in the region meeting the needs of construction, motive power, industrial and service sectors, the school offers traditional apprenticeships, as well as pre-apprenticeships in collaboration with private sector companies,” the guide reads.
The guide included one student review for each college or university. Kristen Chan, Bachelor of Early Learning Program Development graduate, heartily recommended co-op placements in the article: “Lots of work-integrated (WIL) learning and amazing community feel to this program at Conestoga. Invaluable experience in a kindergarten classroom topped off excellent classroom training by first-rate professors in this bachelor's degree program. Highly recommended.”
Conestoga has more than 4,500 students in 72 co-op programs in a broad range of disciplines and credentials including degrees, diplomas and post-graduate certificates.
Co-operative education integrates academic studies with paid program-related experience in the workplace, resulting in better trained workers who are familiar with their professional expectations and have the skills needed to contribute to an organization right from the start.
The calibre of Conestoga’s co-op program and students impressed Alnoor Ismail, project manager at the Canadian Space Agency.
“We received excellent service from Conestoga College, and they were the most organized co-op department that we have experienced. We asked our co-op student to return for her next term after seeing her incredible performance in the first four-month term.”
Conestoga earned more top rankings for 2024 from CourseCompare, which named Conestoga as having Canada’s best trade school as well as the country’s best early childhood education programs.