Co-operative Education (Co-op)

Introduction

Education has evolved through many changes since the introduction of engineering studies in Canada at the University of New Brunswick in 1835. Since that time, engineering education has expanded to include an increasing amount of technical information and has adopted many alternative forms of delivery. Today, students are presented with many opportunities for study in engineering in a variety of programs.

Few innovations in education have gained such widespread acceptance and credibility as Co-operative (Co-op) Education programs. A Co-op Education Program is a program that combines a student's academic studies with work experience in co-operative employer organizations. Co-op is "hands-on" education which extends the learning process beyond the classroom into the workplace by alternating academic study terms with paid periods of career related work experience. This applies the theory from the classroom and laboratory to practical and profitable use in the workplace.

Co-op programs have been well accepted by both students and employers. Both groups look very favourably upon such programs in their decisions to enroll in, and hire from, them respectively.

What is co-operative education?

In 1979 the Canadian Association For Co-operative Education (CAFCE) established specific criteria to ensure the quality of the co-operative education program. Accredited programs must meet the following guidelines:

• Each work situation is developed and/or approved by the co-operative educational institution as a suitable learning situation;
• The co-operative student is engaged in productive work rather than merely observing;
• The co-operative student is paid for the work performed;
• The co-operative student’s progress on the job is monitored by the co-operative educational institution;
• The co-operative student’s performance on the job is supervised and evaluated by the student’s co-operative employer;
• The total co-operative work experience is normally fifty percent of the time spent in academic study, and in no circumstances less than thirty percent.

CAFCE has established a set of criteria that are indeed worthy and ensure a quality experience for the students. The program developed within Civil Engineering is designed such that the program is accreditable by CAFCE.

What are the benefits of co-operative education?

Co-op Programs have grown in popularity for a number of reasons. These include:

• Students can obtain better work experience as part of the education process and, upon completion of their program of studies, can be better prepared and more mature about the profession which they are entering.
• Students will complete their University program of studies in a much better financial position.
• Employers recognize the value of the enhanced work experience and view the students who have completed the program to be more attractive as potential employees.

Program Structure

The Basics

• If you have completed less than 70 credit hours you require a minimum assessment GPA of 2.7.  If you have completed more than 70 credit hours you must be in good academic standing
• Will work at least 4 Co-op work terms as part of Degree
• Normally enter the Program at the end of second year of studies
• Flexible to accommodate a variety of course sequences
• Courses are not taken during the summer months
• The University monitors the Work Term experiences
• Students must generally decide to enter the program in their third term of studies

Study Work Sequences

The program is flexible and designed to accommodate a wide variety of course sequences and patterns. An example for students in an 8 study term and 5 work term combination is shown as follows:

The above table then shows two programs, the regular 8 term program and a proposed Co-op Program. The standard 8 term program could be applied to this program by following the standard 8 term program from terms 1 through 8. Study terms 6 and 5 would be taken in reverse order as compared to the standard sequence.

The program provides flexibility in the student's third and fourth year of studies and can accommodate individual student and employer wishes and/or constraints. It is to be remembered that there are many available options for the Co-op program and that individual options are possible and as probable as the individuality of the programs of most civil engineering students.

Application Procedures

Interested students should follow a sequence of steps culminating in the submission of an application for Co-op Studies.

1. Prepare a Study-Work Plan (available from the CE Office, H-124) which establishes the Study Term/Work Term sequence that the student proposes to follow. The Study-Work Plan should ensure that core courses are available in the appropriate terms (refer to current year’s Timetable). Electives do not need to be decided at this time.
2. Submit the Study-Work Plan and Co-op Application (available from the CE Office, H-124) to Prof. Trevor Hanson, CE Co-op Coordinator,GWD-129, for approval.
3. Attend Co-op information sessions.
4. Attend company information sessions.

Facts & Myths

Some Facts and Myths about Co-op

Contacts

For further information, contact:

Dr. Trevor Hanson
CE Co-op/PEP Coordinator

Marg Babineau
Faculty of Engineering Co-op/PEP Secretary

Dr. Guida Bendrich
Director Co-op Education Engineering & Science

John Hasson
Co-op Officer Engineering & Science

Civil Engineering Co-op e-mail for general information: enggcoop@unb.ca