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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find some of our most frequently asked questions about the Co-Op and Internship program. Don't see your question listed here, or need some more information? You can email:

Candace Chard
Co-op and Internship Officer
Tel: 905.721.8668 x5702
Email: Candace.Chard@ontariotechu.ca  

Or drop in and visit us in ACE 2010B.

General Participation

  • What is Co-op?

    A 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?

    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 four-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.

  • What Year of Study do I need to be in to participate in an co-op internship?

    Applicants for co-op internship 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?

    The maximum duration of a co-op 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.

  • What GPA level must I have to participate in 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 to apply to 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 the 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 a Co-Op/Internship offer of employment, can I keep applying and interviewing for other positions?

    No. Once you have accepted one Co-Op or Internship position, you can no longer apply or interview for other positions. 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.

  • What if I accept the position but find another position I think I would like better or the salary is higher?

    Once you accept a position, you cannot quit to accept another co-op or internship position. You would not be able to access the co-op/internship program in the future. You would damage yours and the school’s reputation with the employer.

  • 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.  Simply take screen shots of your transcript and copy and paste them to a word document.  Save this file to send as your unofficial transcript.

  • What is an In-Progress Work 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! In-Progress Reports and Evaluations are mandatory components of the co-op program. An In-Progress Report is due at the end of each semester when your work term is continuing into the next semester. The In-Progress Report and Evaluation will need to be completed at the end of each work term, excluding the final work term. You must complete all reports and evaluations to achieve a PASS grade.

  • What is a 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 include 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).

  • What is the 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.

  • What do I need for my Pre-Graduation experience to be considered by the PEO?