Cooperative education integrates a student’s academic study with on-the-job work experience. It allows students to obtain professional experience in their specific field of study. This is done by alternating periods of on-campus study with work experience in business, industry, and government. Co-op helps bridge the gap between the classroom and work.

Co-op work terms are generally four months in duration. The majority are in Ontario, but they could be anywhere in Canada where a suitable job is available.

The key lies in matching an employer who can offer a productive, and vocationally relevant work experience with a capable and skilled student. No student is sent out for a work term until he/she has the ability to be a productive employee.

The work terms form an essential component of the student’s total academic program. A mandatory requirement for graduation, the work terms are evaluated by both the College and the employer in order to promote maximum learning on the part of the student.

Mandatory Co-ops

The opportunity for cooperative education exists in the following programs:

• Physical Fitness Management
• Chemical Engineering Technology – Lab and Process Control

Optional Co-ops

The Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship program combines a college diploma program and apprenticeship training leading to a Certificate of Qualification. The program enables individuals to train as apprenticeship participants, completing all in-school learning outcomes (trade school). In addition, participants have the option to pursue a co-op with an employer. Individuals who want to register for the Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship program must meet all eligibility criteria for both the college diploma program as well as apprenticeship training.

For further information, please contact the Coordinators, Cooperative Placements at 705-566-8101, ext 7564 or 7707.

Cambrian offers optional Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship programs in:

• Electrical Techniques, Technician and Technology
• Heavy Equipment Technician
• Industrial Mechanical Millwright  Technician
• Powerline Technician
• Welding and Fabrication Technician

Fieldwork / Placement

In many programs, students have the opportunity to gain practical work experience through a fieldwork or placement component. These are unpaid placements and vary in length from program to program.

For the student, this means:

• practical, relevant work experience prior to graduation – a significant asset in today’s competitive job market
• a better understanding of classroom theory and its applications to the working environment
• increased self-confidence and maturity
• increased communication and decision-making skills
• access to the most up-to-date facilities
• first-hand experience with current policies, procedures, and technologies
• an increased awareness of potential career paths
• enhanced employment opportunities and valuable job contacts

For the employer, it means:

• an excellent source of graduates with relevant on-the-job experience
• an opportunity to pre-screen potential employees for permanent positions and thus lower recruitment and training costs
• an opportunity to play an active role in the educational process which, in turn, provides better qualified personnel for the future
• an effective means of satisfying short-term personnel needs and freeing highly paid personnel for other assignments

Note:

A criminal record is a serious impediment to employment. Many employers insist on a clear record.