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Free webinar - Hiring a U of T co-op student: Cost effective solutions

Are you facing staffing challenges, looking for additional project support, or seeking fresh perspectives to help your organization grow? Hiring a University of Toronto (U of T) co-op student can be an effective and affordable way to meet your workforce needs. Through U of T's extensive co-op network, employers can connect with thousands of talented students across more than 150 programs in arts, science, engineering, and business. In addition, employers may be eligible for government grants, tax credits, and wage subsidy programs that can offset hiring costs by up to 50 per cent.

Join Invest Oakville, in partnership with the University of Toronto Co-op Program and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce's Talent Opportunities Program (TOP), to learn how hiring co-op students can help your organization access skilled talent, support business growth, and reduce recruitment costs.

During this webinar you will learn about:

The U of T Co-op Program and the range of disciplines and talent available to employers.
How to recruit and hire a U of T co-op student through a streamlined hiring process.
Funding opportunities, grants, tax credits, and wage subsidies available to support student hiring.
The benefits of accessing a diverse, skilled talent pool to help address workforce and project needs.
Resources and support available through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce's Talent Opportunities Program (TOP) and other employer-focused initiatives.

Whether you're looking to expand your workforce, tackle short-term projects, or build a future talent pipeline, this webinar will provide practical information and resources to help you make the most of student hiring opportunities.

About the speakers

John Cowling, Business Development Officer, U of T

John Cowling is the Lead, Business Development Officer for the University of Toronto's Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP), a work-integrated learning program that pairs Faculty of Arts & Science students with 4 to 20-month paid internships across a wide range of industries and sectors. He works closely with organizations to understand their talent needs and connect them with skilled, motivated students ready to contribute from day one. His work sits at the intersection of higher education and industry, translating academic strength into real-world workforce readiness and helping employers build sustainable, long-term pipelines of early-career talent.

Daniyal Azhar, Manager, Programs, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Daniyal is a Manager of Programs and a PMP-certified professional based in the Greater Toronto Area, currently working in the Programs department at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. With over seven years of experience in large-scale program management, team leadership, and AI tool implementation, he brings a rare blend of structured program discipline and hands-on technical fluency to his work. He combines cross-cultural communication skills with a practical, results-driven approach to driving innovation in program management, consistently turning complex initiatives into measurable results.