Certificate in
Business Essentials Co-op

The program comprises of 240 hours of classroom learning and another 240 hours of a Co-op placement which can be completed anywhere in Canada. In order to successfully complete the program, you will have to take the following modules:

The modules include:

1. Fundamentals of Business Communications

This module will help you develop and enhance your written, verbal, interpersonal communication skills, time management skills and presentation techniques, to ensure success in any business environment. You will also learn to use Microsoft Office to help you operate more efficiently and be more productive.

2. Managing Financial Resources

This module’s aim is to provide you with an understanding of where and how to access sources of finance and the skills to use financial information for vital decision-making.

3. Organizations and Behavior

This module will give you an understanding of individual and group behavior in organizations and the ability to examine current theories and their application in managing workplace behavior.

4. Marketing Principles

This module aims to provide you with the necessary understanding and skills related to the fundamental concepts and principles that underpin the marketing process.

5. Co-op Work Placement

At the end of your theoretical learning, you are required to complete 240 hours of a work placement in a suitable business environment. Appropriate business sectors for placement work include sales, marketing, retail, finance, accounting, not-for-profit, customer care and administration.

Please note that activities performed will vary depending on the work placement, however, the key responsibilities of each student will include being supervised by a placement host at all times, observing all workplace, school safety and security procedures, dressing appropriately for the experience, interacting with placement staff respectfully, courteously and enthusiastically, learning about the work environment and participating in the daily routine as required.

The work placement is part of students’ educational development. It enables theoretical learning in the classroom to be applied to practical learning situations and encourages the application of theory and knowledge in an appropriate context. Students will be sent for interviews to secure their placement and must complete their practicum and submit a placement report to be successfully considered a graduate.

• Ontario secondary school diploma or equivalent* or mature student**
• Age 18 or older
• IELTS of 5 or equivalent for Non-native English speakers 

*A transcript, diploma or certificate from another country are considered equivalent to an Ontario high school diploma if assessed at an Ontario OSSD level by a recognized assessment service.

**Mature students must be at least 18 years of age and pass a Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam.

You must take and successfully complete all modules and the co-op in order to be awarded a Certificate in Business Essentials Co-op. You are required to achieve a minimum overall grade of 50% per module in order to pass. If you fail to meet the learning outcomes and the 50% passing grade in each module, you will have an opportunity to re-take the module at the next available sitting.

The assessment of each module consists of:

• individual assignment or class test: 50%
• final exam: 40%
• participation: 10%
• work placement report: Pass/Fail

Upon completion of this program, you will be awarded the Certificate in Business Essentials Co-op.

Graduates of this certificate can consider career opportunities under NOC 1411 which includes positions such as:

• Administrative support officer
• Administrative assistant
• Senior secretary
• Office administrator
• Coordinator
• Sales associate
• Customer service representative
• Financial services representative
• Client service associate
• Property administrator
• Cash management associate
• Records officer
• Scheduling assistant
• Junior planner
• Junior executive assistant