How to Partner with Us
Join the HKU Co-operative Education Programme (Co-op) and unlock a world of opportunities for innovation, diversity, and stronger industry-academia links. Here’s how:
01. Getting Started
Reach Out and Engage:
- Contact us: Begin our partnership journey by contacting our Co-op Office. Our team is eager to provide information about the programme and guide you through the process.
- Attend Information Session: Attend our information sessions to get a comprehensive overview of the Co-op programme and discuss potential collaboration areas.
- Register: Complete a simple registration form to become an HKU co-op employer partner.
- Post Job Offers: Once registered, you can submit your job offers to our Co-op Office using this form. We will promote these positions to our students via our Job Bank, and manage the application process.
Why Partner with Us?
- Influence Curriculum: Help tailor our curriculum to meet real-world industry needs.
- Develop Talent: Create a pipeline of skilled professionals familiar with your operations and culture.
We look forward to welcoming more organisations to our partnership in shaping the future of work and education.
Essential information about the Co-op Education programme
Joining our Co-op Programme involves a commitment to nurture and develop potential. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a successful partnership:
Employment Duration:
Students are employed full-time for a minimum of 7 consecutive months (30 weeks) to ensure substantial professional growth.
Workplace Environment:
It is crucial that the student’s work environment is fair, safe, supportive, and properly supervised throughout their placement.
Compensation:
We suggest a minimum monthly wage of HKD 12,000 for Co-op students to foster a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Performance Evaluation:
At the end of the work term, employers must conduct a formal evaluation of the student’s performance, contributing to their learning and development.
Mentorship:
Employers should assign a staff member to act as the student’s Workplace Mentor, responsible for providing ongoing training, guidance, and feedback.
Legal Responsibilities:
All employers must adhere to the Employment Ordinance and other applicable laws to ensure a lawful and ethical engagement.
02. Sign-up to partner as our Co-op Employer
Join us in nurturing our future talents! We truly value your collaboration and partnership!
Become a Co-op Employer Partner:
We look forward to welcoming you as an integral part of our Co-op programme and working together to shape the future of our students.
03. Interview & Selection
Joining our Co-op programme as an employer involves a structured selection process designed to ensure the best fit between students and employers. Here’s how to navigate this process effectively:
Review and Interview Applicants:
Upon receiving applications forwarded by the Co-op Office, employers are responsible for:
- Shortlisting Candidates: Evaluate the applications to identify candidates who best meet the job requirements.
- Arrange Interviews:
- Summer Round (placements starting in June), student applicants should be interviewed by April
- Semester 2 Round (placement starting in January), interviews should be conducted by October.
- Semester 1 Round (placements starting in September/October), should be conducted by July/August.
- Interview Format: Interviews can be performed face-to-face or via Zoom/other online platforms, providing flexibility to accommodate various needs.
Selection and Offer Notification
After interviews, employers should:
- Finalise Selection: Determine the most suitable candidate(s) for each job opening and prepare a priority list.
- Notify Candidates and Co-op Office:
- Inform Candidates: Communicate the final decision to the selected candidates.
- Notify Co-op Office: Send details of the selected candidates and the offer to the Co-op office. This step is crucial for maintaining up-to-date records and facilitating the smooth initiation of the employment term.
- Issue Offer Letters: Issue formal offer letters to the chosen students. It is important to also notify the Co-op office when a student accepts the offer to ensure all parties are informed and any necessary preparations can be made for the student’s placement.
04. Onboarding
A smooth onboarding process is crucial for integrating students into your workplace effectively. Here’s how to prepare for the arrival of a Co-op student and ensure all necessary documentation is completed.
Preparation for Student Arrival
To induct the student and set them up for success, please follow these steps:
- Define Goals and Expectations: Establish clear goals, objectives, and performance expectations for the work term to guide the student’s efforts.
- Identifying a suitable Workplace Mentor: Select a suitable Mentor who will provide guidance and support throughout the student’s tenure. Introduce the student to the Workplace Mentor and other key team members early on.
- Orientation: Conduct an orientation session to familiarise the students with the company culture, policies, and expectations, ensuring they understand their role and responsibilities. A conversation about personal safety/liabilities and company confidentiality issues should be had.
Completing Required documentations
Finalising all necessary legal and procedural paperwork is essential before the student begins their placement:
- Employment Contract: Ensure that a contract is signed by both parties, detailing the terms of employment and expectations.
- Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) Forms: Complete and submit the necessary MPF forms to comply with local retirement fund requirements.
- Confidentiality Agreements: If applicable, have confidentiality agreements prepared and signed to protect sensitive company information.
- Other Relevant Documents: Prepare any additional documents that are relevant to the employment or specific to your industry.
This ensures a smooth and seamless onboarding process for the student, setting the stage for a productive work team.