Students also gain experience in generic, transferable, work-related abilities and skills such as critical thinking and teamwork skills. Some co-op students are able to travel throughout Canada and abroad providing an opportunity to expand their cultural knowledge. There are also practical benefits of co-operative education for students. Students are paid competitive salaries for the work they do, making post-secondary education more affordable. Their job opportunities following graduation are improved because of the experience they have gained as well as the contact with potential employers.
Employers benefit by having a pool of well-prepared employees.
The flexibility of co-op work terms allows employers to fill temporary or seasonal labour needs or to complete specific projects. Co-op students can also be a source of new ideas and approaches that can revitalise a workplace. Employers can contribute to the development of effective curricula that meet changing realities of the field. Most faculty members find that teaching in co-op education situations is both stimulating and challenging. The post-secondary institution benefits from having an expanded range of educational opportunities for students.