Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

• What is Co-op?

  Co-op allows students to gain valuable work experience while pursuing their undergraduate degree.  It is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with quality experiences within a workplace.

  A Co-op work term is a duration of 4 months. A 4-month co-op is often served in the summer period between years of undergraduate study; however, a Co-op can occur in any academic term. In a Co-op term, a student will acquire an appreciation of company culture and management structure and have the chance to apply academic theory in a practical setting.

• What is Co-op Internship?
  A Co-op Internship consists of several co-op work terms back-to-back.  A Co-op Internship can be 8, 12, or 16 months in length. The extended work term provides an opportunity to take on long-term projects and become fully integrated as a contributing member of the team.
• What year of study do I need to be in to participate in a Co-op placement?

  For a co-op placement, students need to apply after their first year of study and must have a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or above. Students must enroll in the Professional Competencies for Engineers course (ENGR 1000W) in their second year of study to participate in a Co-op placement. Once the ENGR 1000W course is successfully completed, students can complete a 4-month summer co-op after the second year of study. You must have completed 2nd year (half the degree length) to have the work time count toward your future PEO licensing.

  For a co-op internship, applicants should be completing year three of a four-year undergraduate degree, or year four of a five-year undergraduate degree. The Professional Competencies for Engineering (ENGR1000W) course must be successfully completed to participate in a Co-op Internship.

• How long can I participate in a co-op?

  Work terms can be a duration of 4, 8, 12, or 16-months. The maximum duration is 16 months.  A 16-month co-op can only begin in May. If students start a co-op in September or January, the maximum duration of a co-op is 12 months.  Students must return to full-time studies after completing the maximum co-op duration.

  Students may complete a minimum of one work term (4 months) or a maximum of five work terms (20 non consecutive months). 

• How can I get the Co-op designation on my degree parchment?

  Students must successfully complete three work terms (12 months) to graduate with the co-op designation on their degree parchment.

• What GPA level must I have to participate in a co-op?

  Students must be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3. Full-time students are permitted to apply for the Engineering Co-op Stream from the end of year one as long as they can demonstrate that they meet the eligibility requirements of a cumulative GPA of 2.3 with no core subjects missing. Successful completion of a co-op or co-op internship results in a transcript notation of Pass/Fail and does not impact a student’s GPA.

• As an international student, am I eligible for co-op?

  Yes! You will need a social insurance card to accept co-op employment and a co-op work permit. Discuss participation with the International Office to ensure you have all the paperwork in place. 

• Can I apply to positions that I see advertised outside of Ontario Tech co-op/internship portal?

  Yes! You are encouraged to seek your own opportunities that best suit your employment interests. The Engineering Co-Op Office is available to assist you with contacting new employers to promote the Ontario Tech program. New co-op opportunities will need to be reviewed/approved by the Faculty to ensure the skills reflect engineering skill development and meet accreditation guidelines.

• If I have already accepted my offer and find a position with a higher salary, can I apply/accept that position?

  No. Once you have accepted one Co-Op or Internship position, you can no longer apply or interview for other positions for that term(s). If an employer enquires about your eligibility, we will inform them that you have already taken employment elsewhere. It is unprofessional and can ruin your reputation with a company if you accept an offer and later reject it for another opportunity. It can also affect the reputation of the Ontario Tech Engineering Co-Op and Internship program and the University.

• Can I take courses while on a co-op work term?

  Students can request to take ONE course while on a co-op work term. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 to request to take a course. Approval must be obtained from your co-op employer and the Faculty by completing a Co-op Course Approval Form.

• How do I find my unofficial transcript?

  Many companies will ask for an unofficial transcript during the recruitment process. This can be found on your MyOntarioTech account. Click on “Current Students”, scroll down to “Student Records” and click on Unofficial Academic Transcript .

• What if I am stressed and have difficulty performing in the position?

  The Engineering Co-Op and Internship Office is available to discuss any concerns you may have while you are out on co-op or internship. You are still able to access support services at Ontario Tech such as Student Mental Health Services while you are out on your co-op or internship placement.

  We’re here to guide you along the way. Please take advantage of the supports provided by the Engineering Co-op Office.  Visit the office in ACE 2010 or book an appointment through the student life portal to discuss where you would like to gain valuable work experience.

• If I begin a work term and it is extended by the employer what happens?
  If your employer requests an extension, and you agree, we require your new offer letter to be submitted to document your new end date. The new end date must be provided in the revised offer letter for future creation of the tax credit letter.
• What if I’m fired by my employer?
  If you are terminated from your position for any reason, you would meet with the Engineering Co-Op and Internship Office to discuss the situation, learn from the experience, and receive necessary supports and training so that a future work experience will be successful. The Engineering Co-Op and Internship Office would connect with the employer as well.
• Does a co-op/internship factor into my GPA?
  A Pass/Fail appears on the transcript and does not factor into the GPA. If a professor does give a fail grade for your submitted report, the student has an opportunity to make corrections and resubmit.  This report can be submitted to PEO after graduation by the student to be considered for up to 12 months of pre-graduate work experience and count toward the 48 months required to be licensed as a Professional Engineer in Ontario (P.Eng).

Co-Op Documents

• What is the In-Progress Report and Evaluation?
  An In-Progress Report and Evaluation reflects your co-op experience, as outlined in three categories. The purpose of this report and evaluation is to assist you with developing your skills during your placement, as well as analyzing your future career choice upon graduation.
• Do I have to write an In-Progress Report and Evaluation

  Yes! The In-Progress Report and Employer Evaluation are mandatory components of the co-op program. An In-Progress Report and Evaluation is due at the end of each semester when your work term is continuing into the next semester and must be submitted to continue into the next co-op term. 

  If a student does not submit, Supervisors at their current co-op workplace will first be notified that their co-op student has not submitted their In-Progress Report and Employer Evaluation. If a student does not submit after this point, they will receive a FAIL grade for the work and be removed from the co-op program. 

• What is the Final Work Report?

  A Final Work Report is due at the completion of your co-op position. The final report will encompass your entire experience working as a co-op student and includes projects that you worked on, daily tasks, calculations, and accomplishments in relation to engineering-specific tasks.  You can use this report to submit to PEO to count towards your Pre-graduation engineering experience (can claim up to 12 months out of the 48 months required).

  Work term reports are a mandatory component of the co-op program. You must complete all reports and evaluations to achieve a PASS grade.

• What is PEO?

  Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) is the licensing and regulating body for professional engineering in the province.  Visit the PEO website to review their FAQs.

  The Pre-Graduation experience must:

  • Be acceptable and verifiable engineering experience
  • Have been gained following the half-way point in your studies (i.e. following completion of 50 per cent of the academic program)
  • Be related to your area of study and area of practice on graduation.

Benefits of Participation

• What could you gain from participating in a co-op?
  • Gain industry experience in a chosen field
  • Strengthen your skills through practical application
  • Enhance your resume by acquiring relevant technical and employability skills
  • Explore future employment potential
  • Clarify career direction and define your employment goals
  • Increase motivation to learn and better understand the significance of course material
  • Develop a valuable network and build confidence in interacting with employers
  • Earn money to offset the costs of education and reduce debt load
  • Acquire up to 12 months of pre-graduation experience towards the required 48 months for PEO licensing
• How does it benefit me to have a co-op or internship appear on my transcript and degree?

  Some employers do not recognize a co-op or internship that does not appear on your transcript. Some employers will set your pay rate based on the number of semesters completed at university and how many co-op work terms appear on your transcript. Students with co-op on their transcript have had their graduate employment salary start at a higher level.

• Why does an employer want to hire a co-op student?
  • A student available for a 4-, 8-, 12-, or 16-month work term will have completed a minimum of 2 years of academic study, thereby obtaining a solid base of theory and technical skills.
  • Students could be assessed by employers for their ability, professionalism and aptitude as potential career employees.
  • Students inject energy, enthusiasm and new ideas into your organization.
  • Employers develop a collaborative relationship with the university and tap into training and research opportunities.
  • Students assist in the management of uninterrupted work flow during periods of vacation or high demand and be involved in completing  special projects.
  • Employers benefit from tax credits of up to $3000 per work term for hiring a student.
• Where can I find information to share with potential employers regarding the CRA tax saving possibility?
  Employers can visit the Government of Ontario’s website which outlines how businesses are eligible for the co-operative education tax credit. Employers can also visit Ontario Tech’s Student Life page to read about the benefits of recruiting an Ontario Tech student.

Fees

• Who sets co-op fees?

  Fees are set by the Ontario Tech Board of Governors and are subject to change, without notice, based on Ontario Tech board approval.

• How much are the fees?
  Co-op fees are set by the Ontario Tech Board of Governors and subject to change. Please refer to the Co-operative Education fee structure for all up to date fees.
• How are the fees billed?
  Each semester you are enrolled in co-op or internship the fees are billed to your MyOntarioTech account. Your fees are due like any other tuition based on the dates in the Academic Calendar.
• Would late fees apply if I don’t receive a pay cheque until I have worked for a month?
  Yes, if you do not pay your fees by the dates set out in the Academic Calendar, late fees will be billed similar to late fees appearing if you do not pay your regular course registration fees by a certain date.
• Will I be reminded to pay my co-op fees?

  You are not reminded about payment of your co-op fees. If you enrol in co-op, you are responsible to monitor your MyOntarioTech account to pay the fee each semester after registration.

• Would I enrol and be billed by the co-op fee for the extended work terms?
  Yes, you would enrol and be billed the fee for the additional semesters on the extended work term.
• If my work term was extended for only a portion of the semester would I be billed a full fee?

  Yes, the fee would be billed at the full semester rate. The fee is not pro-rated. A work term must be at least twelve weeks (420 hours) for the semester to be considered a co-op term.

• Ontario Power Generation and Bruce Power offer a developmental co-op position. Are these acceptable positions?
  Yes, at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and Bruce Power, the developmental co-op is acceptable as long as you are doing engineering work that relates to your program of study. OPG only considers students from Waterloo as co-op (formal program) but allows Ontario Tech and other university students to do developmental co-ops. This Developmental co-op can also count towards PEO licensing undergraduate requirements
• When does a developmental position not appear on my transcript/count towards my co-op designation?
  If a developmental role is not viewed as having engineering experience that would count toward PEO licensing then it would not be a suitable co-op position.

OSAP and Health Coverage

• Can I apply to OSAP during my co-op?

  Yes! While on co-op, OSAP will consider you as a full-time student. You will need to apply to OSAP each semester to avoid OSAP re-payments beginning.  OSAP re-payments begin after you have been away from school for 6 months should you not apply or are not approved for OSAP. Students should contact the Financial Aid office to discuss their individual circumstances.

• What happens if I have a renewable entrance scholarship or Aiming for the Top Scholarship?

  You MUST notify the Student Awards and Financial Aid office, located in SIRC, in writing, after you accept a position longer than a summer May-August term.  In your letter to the Student Awards and Financial Aid office, you would indicate that you would like to defer your renewable scholarship for one academic year.

  Important Note: You can only defer scholarships once and only for one academic year.

• Do I qualify for OTSU health coverage while on co-op?

  While on a work term, you will be eligible for a part-time Ontario Tech University student card. Co-op/Internship students are not charged Ontario Tech Student Union (OTSU) fees and are therefore not eligible to apply for OTSU health insurance coverage. Students who are not eligible for health and dental coverage under a family plan may wish to purchase personal insurance coverage.

  For international students, you must apply for UHIP while on a co-op/internship term.  Please refer to University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) for more information.

The Professional Competencies for Engineers Course (ENGR1000W)

• What is the Professional Competencies for Engineers Course?

  Professional Competencies for Engineers is an asynchronous course consisting of 6 modules. The course aims to prepare students for their first co-op placement by covering various topics related to the job market. These topics include communication, social and cultural diversity, creativity and innovation, networking and interviewing.

   

• Is the course mandatory?

  Yes, ENGR1000W is mandatory for students to complete before participating in their first co-op.  Students who have successfully completed a co-op prior to Fall 2022, or students who have secured a co-op to start in the Fall 2022 term are exempt from taking the course.

• When should I take the Professional Competencies for Engineers course?

  Students should register in the fall semester of their second year of study. First year students are not eligible to take the course. Winter registration is also available; however, most students will benefit from taking the course in the Fall Term as this is the time when co-op opportunities become available for the subsequent winter and summer terms.

• Does the Professional Competencies for Engineers course affect my GPA?

  The course is graded Pass/Fail; therefore, it will not affect your GPA.

• How is the course evaluated?

  To pass the course, you must complete and submit all self-check module exercises, score at least 70% on each module quiz, and score at least 70% on the final test.  Students must achieve 70% on each module and the final test to receive a passing grade.

• What if the course does not fit into my class schedule?

  Each module is designed to take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. The course is asynchronous and can be completed at your own pace around your class schedule.

• Is there a final test for the Professional Competencies Course?

  Yes! There are quiz questions at the end of each module and a final test.

• What if I fail ENGR1000W?
  Students may attempt the course twice.  Should a student receive a fail grade after their second attempt, they will be removed from the co-op program.