Program Overview

Co-operative Education and Industrial Internship Program

The Co-operative Education and Industrial Internship Program (Co-op/IIP) is a valuable partnership between the university, employers, and students, through which students complement their study with paid work experience and employers are connected with industry-ready employees.

How Co-op/IIP Works

Co-op/IIP connects employers with motivated students who have been prepared to contribute to their organizations. Students take time away from their academic studies and enhance their learning by working in an engineering-related job and completing a reflective learning assignment. Students have an opportunity to explore different career choices and develop contacts in the industry during the three work terms included in the program.

Events

Each year, Co-op/IIP hosts a number of events to help build strong relationships between students and industry. In partnership with the University of Manitoba Engineering Society, Monday Night H.I.R.E.D. (Helping Industry Reach Engineering Students Directly) events provide employers with the opportunity to speak to students about their company and industry, sharing what opportunities may be available, along with personal insights. The annual Reverse Career Fair is a great opportunity for students to meet employers and find out what they are looking for in employees.

Our Mission

Inspire Engineering students to be transformed by the deeper learning of experiential education to advance the engineering industry and the community.

Our Vision

Provide experiential education and career development to prepare students for excellence in their future careers as professional engineers and community leaders. Co-operate with employers to advance their business and strengthen connections between the University of Manitoba and community.

Co-op/IIP Opportunities for Students

Complement your academic study with paid work experience in the engineering profession. The training and experience you receive during a co-op or industrial internship work term, combined with your academic engineering knowledge, will better prepare you for your professional career.

Work Terms

To complete the program and graduate with the Co-op/IIP designation on your parchment, you must complete a minimum of 12 months worth of work terms. Work terms are flexible with the option of working 4, 8, 12, or 16 month placements. You can complete work terms in the summer or during academic terms.

Benefits

Co-op/IIP education provides students with supports and opportunities to:

• Gain career development and employment support from the Co-op/IIP team of coordinators and staff from the application process to graduation.
• Develop crucial technical and employability skills.
• Earn money to supplement education costs. All Co-op/IIP students are provided with a competitive compensation plan.
• Build a resume/portfolio. Each work term allows students to expand their resume to include new skills developed during real work experience.
• Explore career options and define long-term goals.
• Gain confidence in their abilities and identify areas that are in need of further development.
• Develop and maintain important industry contacts.
• Maintain student status with the faculty and UM during extended 12 or 16 month work placements.
• Be assisted in completing Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba reports for EIT credit and begin earning EIT credit after successfully completing 58 degree credit hours.
• Apply with Co-op/IIP exclusive awards such as the Friends of Engineering Co-op/IIP student of the Year, UM Co-op Students of the Year, CEWIL Canada student of the year.
• Reflect and learn at a higher level that supports "industry Ready" graduates.
• Gain support from an Engineer-in-Residence dedicated to Co-op/IIP support.
• Gain Co-op designations on transcripts and parchments that are an advantage when seeking permanent employment.

Eligibility

Students who are in good academic standing and enrolled in any department within the Price Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba can apply. The Price Faculty of Engineering offers co-operative education and industrial internships in all departments and programs, including Biosystems, Civil, Electrical and Computer, and Mechanical Engineering.

How to Apply

Intake into our program happens each fall term through a series of steps and activities, including info sessions, an intake meeting, and support with your application to help prepare you for your work terms.

Co-op/IIP Opportunities for Employers

The Price Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba is committed to assisting employers find the right students for work placements. We will provide you with access to skilled students who can assist you in your work with projects, process improvement, and day-to-day business.

Benefits for Employers

Co-op/IIP works with employers to support their organizational needs. Hiring a Co-op/IIP student can provide many benefits to employers, such as:

• Students are available for 4, 8, 12, or 16 month terms beginning in January, May, or September giving you an employee when you need them for as long as you need them.
• Use Co-op/IIP as a recruitment strategy for industry-ready grads.
• Our office will help advertise your posting and assist in finding the best candidate(s).
• The hiring process is at your discretion, with our support. (No rank and match)
• Motivated students! All Co-op/IIP students are required to complete resume and interview workshops as well as participate in mock interviews.
• Co-op/IIP students are accountable to us and are required to complete a report for each four-month period.
• Our office will assist and provide documentation to your company in order to take advantage of the Co-op/IIP student hiring incentives available.

How it Works for Employers

Hiring through the Co-op/IIP provides access, information, and support to funding opportunities for student hiring that may only be available for students enrolled in a cooperative education program. Co-op/IIP employers are vital to helping graduate industry-ready students.

Hiring Incentive Programs

Employers can take advantage of up to $5,000 in tax credits and wage subsidies by hiring a co-op student. The Paid Work Experience Tax Credits are a group of programs that help employers create work experience opportunities for students in Manitoba. The Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) is offered to eligible employers in STEM and business to support quality student work placements.