In Québec, all cooperative education programs are by definition work-study programs, but not all work-study programs are cooperative education programs!

      Work-study

In a work-study program, company and school work closely to develop a qualified work force that meets current labour market needs. During the program, the student alternates between periods of classroom learning and periods of on-the-job training that give him or her a chance to experience real work situations.

 A work-study program must meet certain criteria. Here are some of them:

-   Begin with a period of classroom learning and end with a final period of classroom  learning

-   Include more than one practicum in the workplace

-   Include a significant number of hours in the workplace (at least 25 percent of the learning must take place in the workplace)

Work-study programs can take a variety of forms. They can be adapted to the needs of business and industry as well as the training needs of a variety of programs of study.

       Cooperative education

Cooperative education is one type of work-study approach. In addition to the criteria that all work-study programs must meet (listed above), cooperative education programs must meet two other criteria: 

-     The workplace practicums must be lengthy (at least 12 to 16 weeks).

-     Trainees must be paid.

 Cooperative education programs are offered mainly at the college or university level.