Context
Spring 2021 term: WARG attempted to hire co-ops for the term. However, in the absence of such a guide, the process took much longer than expected. While successful, many questions could’ve been answered had this document existed…
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Each SDC team is permitted to hire up to 2 co-ops, any higher and you need approval.
Lesson learned from a former lead
“We were just barely able to break down enough work for [the co-op], and there wasn't a sole intern project we could give him because the entire system was already tasked out. Obviously, the better PM we have now would've helped, but the lesson is don't hire a co-op unless you're actually getting flooded with work or have a dedicated project”
Step 1.5: Definition Phase
Write a startup guide (Startup Guide ). These guides are very helpful to both the intern and the manager to develop the cadence of the intern. Megan Spee wrote one that I really liked Andrew Wright [W23 Mech Co-op] - Startup Guide
Writing one beforehand forces you to think about timelines, what they would do, what requirements you are looking for in a co-op, and ensure that you’ve thought of the big picture.
Write out job requirements for the role. WARG’s current guidelines extend the SDC’s requirements for a job posting and thus can be used
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Post the positions to Waterlooworks off of the Faculty Advisors' account. You can do the hiring in there, and in general act as an employer.WARG so far has only hired in the direct-offer period, meaning all we had to do to hire a co-op was message someone from CECA that the position had been filled and attach the name & student number. This might vary
Note: timelines are weird for waterlooworks. Be prudent about when you post. Interviews should be conducted IAW Co-op Hiring Guidelines
Once you’ve matched with someone, you should revisit the startup guide if they’ve mentioned an interest in working on something that wasn’t originally in scope and see if there’s an opportunity to give them that experience.
Step 5: Paperwork Phase
DO NOT IGNORE THIS PHASE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IF YOU HAVE HIRED A CO-OP
You need to submit the co-op information form within 2 weeks of hiring the co-op.
Note that the form has various requirements that need to be completed, including safety training.
Note that the form requires Safety Coordinator & Team Lead to complete Supervisor Safety Awareness Training (SO1100). The training is now renamed Supervisor Orientation Online (SO1100)
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