What employers have to say
Why hire a UVic Science co-op student?
UVic science co-op students are part of a broader commitment to building healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities through hands-on learning.
They can bring a lot to your organization:
- Relevant technical knowledge and the ability to apply it
- Professional maturity from balancing academic and workplace expectations
- A chance to mentor and assess future hires, reducing onboarding time and training costs
- Flexible support for your projects and goals
How to post a job:
- Send your job description to scico@uvic.ca (you can download a template here)
- We’ll take care of the rest!
Feel free to share this page colleagues who might be interested. For more program details, click here.
Karia Kaukinen, Aquatic Science Biologist, Molecular Genetics, Pacific Biological Station, Fisheries and Oceans Canada:
“Since January 2010, I have hired over 75 students which represents more than 30 years of mentorship. Every student has brought something unique and special to our team over the years. The investment in each student has increased our productivity, opened opportunities due to the hiring flexibility, and provided useful technical assistance. I have personally, met with each student throughout their time with us and I am forever changed by all of them, friends with many of them, and boss to a few of them! If you have considered hiring a co-op student, I say do it!”
Virgil Hawkes, President/CEO, LGL Limited:
“Co-op students play a vital role in strengthening LGL Limited’s environmental teams. Our work terms are more than just learning opportunities – they are a gateway for students to gain hands-on experience in field data collection, plant and wildlife identification, and tackling real-world environmental challenges. By involving students in applied biology practices, we help shape the next generation of professionals, instilling scientific rigor and ethical responsibility from the start of their careers. Past co-op students have consistently brought energy, resourcefulness, and fresh perspectives that enrich our workplace and contribute meaningfully to our projects.”
Ahmed Siah, PhD, Managing Director, BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences:
“A dedicated and knowledgeable student, UVic students have consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, leadership skills, and a high level of independence in their work related to diagnostic in aquatic health sciences.”
Paul Winston, Medical Director for Rehabilitation and Transitions, Island Health, and Clinical Associate Professor UBC and the Island Medical Program:
“Co-op students have enabled us to double our capacity to see patients and quadrupled our ability to conduct research. Our students are involved in every aspect of patient care, from greeting them, creating safe, validating spaces, preparing them for procedures, assisting with technology, documenting patient outcomes, establishing goals and conducting research. We have no capacity to hire new staff or solve the high flow of patients. Students have made our clinical work fun, engaging and much better. The students remain connected to our team long after they leave and continue their patient care advocacy. For the patients, having more time to tell their stories and ensure their needs are met is a win-win. We simply could not function as we do without their help.”