Co-Operative Education in Chemical, Mechanical or Mining Engineering

Co-operative (Co-op) education at Laurentian University is a plan of work-integrated learning where students, starting in the second year, put their academic knowledge into action through two paid discipline-related work terms.

Work terms begin at the end of the second year for a period of 4 months (April to August of the same year). After completing third year, the student will undertake a placement of 16 months from April to August of the following year. The student will then return to complete one full year of academic study.

Advantages for Students

• integrate your studies with practical experience
• gain knowledge and exposure to a wide variety of professions
• earn money that can substationally contribute to your expenses while a student
• acquire necessary work habits and skills
• learns to function as a key member of a team
• gain a significant advantage upon graduation, not only in finding employment of your choice but also in obtaining one with higher pay and more responsibility due to your experience in the workforce

Students will get an "S" on their transcript ("satisfactory" after due review of each work term, work term report and company evaluation). If the student completed 16 to 20 months of the required placement, it will reflect on their diploma.

Advantages for Employers

In addition to employing highly motivated and committed individuals with an engineering background at a very reasonable cost, you can observe their progress and suitability over a succession of placements for potential full-time employment once they graduate.

The selection process ensure that students in the co-op program:

• are high academic achievers
• possess good communication skills
• have positive attitudes
• are adaptable and eager to work with others
• have leadership potential

Admission is based on academic performance and individual interviews through which factors, such as motivation, interpersonal and communications skills are evaluated.

A minimum overall average of 70% is required for entry into the program and must be maintained.

For entry into Work Term 1, students must have completed all required core courses from the 2nd year of the program.

For entry into Work Terms 2, 3, 4 and 5, students must have completed all required core courses from the 3rd year of the program.

Refusal to accept a reasonable and legitimate placement position when offered may result in removal from the co-op program.

For more information, please contact:

Claudine Beausoleil
Administrative Assistant, Co-op Coordinator and Communications
705-675-1151 ext. 2360 or cbeausoleil@laurentian.ca