Students
The HERizon Co-op Program introduces you to employers who are committed to supporting gender equity. This is more than a co-op opportunity. It’s a commitment. Our designated co-op opportunities are designed to open doors, connect you with supportive employers and give you practical, hands-on engineering experience.
Through HERizon, you’ll gain:
- Access to work with companies that are dedicated to diversifying the engineering workforce.
- Confidence, networking skills and career readiness.
- Mentorship from professionals in the field.
- Practical, hands-on engineering experience.
- The opportunity to pursue career paths in a supportive environment.
- Technical and soft skills in a professional setting
Who Can Apply?
All Ontario Tech engineering co-op students who identify as women, and meet academic and co-op requirements. All engineering programs are eligible.
Apply for the HERizon program.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the HERizon Co‑op Program?
The HERizon Co‑op Program connects women‑identifying engineering students with employers who are committed to gender equity. Through designated, paid co‑op positions, the program provides meaningful work experience, supportive mentorship, and career development tailored to your success as a future engineer.
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What makes HERizon different from regular co‑op?
HERizon offers additional benefits that go beyond a traditional co‑op:
- Designated work terms created specifically for women‑identifying students.
- Employers who have committed to supporting gender-parity in engineering.
- Mentorship and networking opportunities with professionals.
- A supportive program aimed at building confidence, readiness, and career momentum.
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Who can apply to the HERizon Co‑op Program?
You are eligible if you:
- Identify as a woman
- Are enrolled in any engineering program at Ontario Tech
- Meet your program’s academic and co‑op requirements
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How do I apply?
Students apply directly to join HERizon through a simple application form. Once accepted into the program, you will receive:
- Notifications about designated HERizon co‑op roles
- Program updates and opportunities
- Recruitment and application support
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What types of co‑op roles can I expect?
Roles vary by employer and discipline, but can include opportunities in:
- Energy systems, nuclear, manufacturing, automotive, and related fields
- Mechanical, electrical, software, and mechatronics engineering
- Research, design, testing, operations, and innovation teams
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Are HERizon co‑op positions paid?
Yes. All HERizon opportunities are paid co‑op work-terms following Ontario Tech’s standard co‑op guidelines.
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What kind of support will I receive through the program?
HERizon provides:
- Access to employers committed to gender equity
- Career development supports through 1:1’s and workshops
- Guidance throughout the co‑op application and work-term process
- Mentorship opportunities while participating in a work-term
- Networking with professionals and industry leaders
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Will being part of HERizon improve my chances of securing co‑op?
Being part of HERizon gives you exclusive access to employer partners who have committed spots for women‑identifying students. While work-terms are not guaranteed, the program increases exposure to supportive employers and opportunities created with you in mind.
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How long are HERizon co‑op work-terms?
Work-terms follow Ontario Tech’s co‑op structure — typically 4, 8, 12, or 16 months — depending on employer needs and your program requirements.
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What if I’m unsure about my confidence or skills?
HERizon is built for you. The program provides:
- A supportive learning environment
- Employers who understand the value of emerging talent
- Mentorship
- Professional development
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How do I know which employers are part of the program?
Employers that are part of the program are listed on our website. We’ll keep you updated throughout the year for new partners who join.
Current Partners:
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Why does HERizon focus on women in engineering?
This program helps to support equal representation of women-identifying students. Individuals outside of this group are still supported with institutional services and opportunities. HERizon is designed to remove barriers, increase confidence, and provide more opportunities for women to succeed in technical fields — all while partnering with employers who share that commitment. Through the program we are identifying new employer partners and opportunities for all students.
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Who can I contact for more information?
You can reach out to the Co-operative Education, Experiential Learning, and Career Development team with questions about:
- Eligibility
- The application process
- Available opportunities
- Support during the program