Career Accelerator
Internship Program
CAIP is open to women studying STEM at Canadian colleges or universities who live or study in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Application for February 2027 cohort is open now.
About CAIP
The Career Accelerator Internship Program (CAIP) is a free, six-week online programme for women studying STEM who want to build practical experience before their co-op placement. The current cohort is open to students who live or study in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Students work on group projects shaped around their fields of study and interests, with personalised tasks that reflect the skills they want to develop. With mentor guidance, they practise applying their knowledge, solving problems, receiving feedback, and presenting their work.
Programme participation is free. A $50 application fee applies.
Practical Experience, With Support Along the Way
Weekly Mentor Circles and peer activities help students practise communication, collaboration, and taking responsibility for their contributions. Each student has a defined role in her group project, giving her space to develop her skills while learning to work with others.
Students leave with:
- A completed group project.
- A portfolio case study documenting their individual contribution.
- Mentor feedback and a next-step plan.
- A certificate of completion.
- Concrete examples to discuss in co-op applications and interviews.
After the programme, students attend a virtual hiring event with participating companies, where they can meet employers, learn about opportunities, and discuss their project experience.
Next cohort:
February 02, 2027
Who Can Apply?
You don’t need previous work experience—this is a space to start building it.
CAIP is for women enrolled in STEM programmes at Canadian colleges or universities who live or study in the Greater Toronto Area and want practical experience before co-op.
You can apply if you:
- Live in the GTA or attend a campus in the GTA.
- Want to apply your knowledge through a guided group project.
- Can commit to six weeks of online project work, Mentor Circles, and peer activities.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you're wondering before you apply.
How long is CAIP?
The programme runs online for six weeks, followed by a virtual hiring event with participating companies.
Is CAIP free?
Yes. Programme participation is free. A $50 application fee applies when you submit your application; it is not a programme fee.
What is the weekly time commitment?
Plan for approximately 5–7 hours per week over six weeks, including Mentor Circles, team meetings, individual project tasks, and portfolio preparation. The virtual hiring event takes place after the programme and requires additional time; its schedule will be shared in advance.
Will I work individually or in a group?
You’ll work on a group project with personalised tasks. Your responsibilities will reflect your skills, interests, and learning goals while contributing to the team’s final outcome.
What support will I receive?
You’ll receive mentor guidance, project feedback, and opportunities to learn alongside other students.
What happens at the virtual hiring event?
You’ll meet participating companies, explore potential opportunities, and discuss your skills and project experience. Specific employers and the event format will be announced ahead of time.
Is CAIP an official co-op placement?
CAIP provides guided educational project experience. It is not employment or a formal co-op placement.
Does participation guarantee an interview or co-op position?
No. Companies make their own recruitment decisions. Completing CAIP or attending the hiring event does not guarantee an interview, job offer, or co-op placement.