How to Hire Co-op Students & Interns in Ontario
Practical guide for Ontario businesses looking to bring fresh talent on board.
Hiring a student intern or co-op participant can be a win-win: your business gains motivated talent, and the student gains real-world experience in their field of study. Ontario has clear rules on how these placements work — and there are programs that can match you with the right student.
Step 1: Understand Who Qualifies
In Ontario, students can complete either paid or unpaid work placements, but the rules depend on the type of program and ESA exemptions:
Paid placements are always considered employees under the ESA, so businesses must pay at least minimum wage, provide vacation pay, and comply with other employment standards. Paid placements may also qualify for federal and provincial wage subsidies.
Unpaid placements are only legal if the student is part of a formal, approved program:
- College or university co-op programs,
- Programs approved by a registered private career college, or
- Professional practicums in regulated fields such as law, medicine, accounting, architecture, or dentistry.
Step 2: Confirm WSIB Coverage
When hiring co-op or internship students, insurance is a critical consideration — especially for unpaid placements.
Unpaid placements (college or university students):
- Most industries require placement hosts to have WSIB coverage for any trainees they accept. The placement host is generally responsible for the insurance premiums because they supervise the student’s daily activities.
- Exceptions:
- The host works in an industry that is not required to have WSIB coverage.
- The training agency or government program funds the premiums.
- Coverage is typically provided through WSIB or government-funded insurance, including Chubb Insurance for non-WSIB industries.
- Placement hosts must confirm with the training agency who is paying the premiums and ensure students are properly covered before the placement begins.
- All work-related accidents must be reported according to WSIB or Chubb procedures.
Paid placements:
- Students are considered employees under the ESA.
- WSIB coverage is required if your business is in a compulsory coverage industry.
- For exempt businesses, private workplace accident insurance is optional.
Key responsibilities for placement hosts:
- Confirm coverage with the training agency.
- Maintain a safe workplace and follow proper reporting procedures.
- Refuse the placement if proper insurance coverage cannot be arranged.
Who requires WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) coverage? Learn more here.
Step 3: Partner with a Local College or University
Colleges and universities in Ontario have dedicated Co-op & Career Services teams that:
- Help you draft a position description,
- Post your opportunity to students in relevant programs,
- Pre-screen candidates to match your requirements.
Example: York University offers programs that directly connect businesses with students in fields such as:
- Business Administration
- Marketing & Communications
- Computer Programming
- Engineering Technology
- Health & Life Sciences
Step 4: Draft a Clear Placement Agreement
The school will often have a standard agreement that outlines:
- Student role & responsibilities,
- Duration & schedule,
- Workplace safety & insurance details,
- Whether the placement is paid or unpaid.
Step 5: Consider Government Incentives
While the details are in our Funding & Incentives for Hiring Students in Ontario guide, Ontario and the federal government offer tax credits and wage subsidies for hiring eligible students — worth looking into before you finalize your offer.
Dive into funding opportunities in our “Funding & Incentives for Hiring Students in Ontario” guide to see how you can maximize your budget.
Curious about how we help small businesses? Take a look here.
