Siem, a political studies major who will graduate with a B.A. Honours degree in 2025, worked at Narratives Inc.—a Winnipeg-based consulting agency specializing in supporting Indigenous communities. This paid work experience was possible thanks to the Faculty of Arts Co-op Program, which invites students to alternate regular academic terms with paid, full-time employment.

Advice and support

“When I first decided to join the Co-op Program, it was because I had just switched from another degree into the Faculty of Arts,” said Siem. “I had no idea what type of jobs there were that you could get with an Arts degree. I talked with the wonderful Co-op advisors, and they explained to me that becoming a Co-op student could actually help me decide what type of career I wanted and explore what my options were.” After going through the process of creating a resume, applying for jobs and attending interviews, Siem accepted an offer to join Narratives as a planning intern.

Skill building and work experience

Narratives’ unique portfolio includes impact assessment, traditional land relations, as well as conflict transformation—a proactive approach that addresses the root causes of disputes. Siem got to work on a diverse range of projects while collaborating with a wide array of professionals. “I worked with many folks from environmental and technical research,” she shared “I have been able to expand upon my writing skills, learning how to analyze policies within the environmental world, and understanding the financial management side of things with writing funding applications.” She also participated in multiple professional training sessions – including software research coding and mapping and Trauma Awareness.

Siem’s advice to other co-op students is to not be afraid to ask questions during meetings, “As a student, this is your time to ask questions to help you learn. As an employee, this is your time to show your managers you are interested in the work and ready to contribute ideas!” According to Siem, co-workers and team leaders can also become meaningful mentors, providing useful advice on further education and career paths. 

Faculty of Arts Co-op Program

The Faculty of Arts Co-op Program is offered in several areas of study, including: anthropology, central and east European studies, criminology, economics, English, film studies, German, history, labour studies, linguistics, political studies, psychology, sociology, religion and theatre. The program supports students in the job search process as well as during the work experience terms, and allows students to develop professional and technical skills, network and even travel – all of this can help students with creating a smooth transition from university to the job market.

Gillis Quarries Limited (GQL) is a fourth-generation company built on industry-leading customer service, product quality and need satisfaction. Over the last 114 years, GQL has grown into one of Canada’s largest dimensional stone quarries, specializing in the fabrication of Tyndall Stone®, a wonderfully distinct, mottled, fossilized natural stone. This rare dolomitic limestone deposit discovered in Garson, MB in 1894 has given birth to some of the most beautiful buildings in modern history. As of October 2022, Gillis Quarries became the first stone in Canadian history to be internationally recognized with the designation Global Heritage Stone Resource. In 2024, Bill 201 was passed in the Manitoba Legislature naming Tyndall Stone® the official stone for the Province of Manitoba. Gillis Quarries Limited is a people-oriented company with a multi- generational, experienced team committed to providing the very best in natural stone solutions.

Jackielyn Ilagan (2009 B.Env.D.), Manager of Business Development and Jeffrey Dolovich, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Gillis Quarries heard of the FAUM Co-op program through close clients in the industry who are designers and architects and who have hired successfully. As a graduate from the Environmental Design Program, Jackie, as well as some of her colleagues at Gillis who have had similar experiences, felt that students who go through the program had inherited a distinct work ethic.  Jackie feels that “students and alumni from the program hold a rigor and specific skill set that is transferrable and beneficial to many roles at Gillis Quarries Ltd. It is that skill set that accelerates the training required for the position.”

We asked Joy to talk about his experience at Gillis Quarries and here is what he had to say:

Joy Bajwa at Gillis Quarries.

What is your position with Gillis Quarries?

My position at Gillis Quarries is titled administrative and communications coordinator but the majority of my time is dedicated to designing. I’ve been working on website design, promotion design, visualization, graphic design, business development and leads. My responsibilities are to take care of the company’s digital presence and reach out to firms, contractors, and developers in relation to masonry design.

How does your experience in the Faculty of Architecture translate to your position with Gillis Quarries?

Everything I have learned in the faculty has been translated in some way. My experiences that have translated organically are communication, presentation, decision-making, interpersonal skills, adaptability and empathy. Some of the more technical things that have translated quite nicely are graphic design, architectural technology, reading drawings, and understanding building specifications.

What skills are you most interested in learning or developing at Gillis Quarries?

One of the most crucial skills I have been developing over the past month at Gillis is learning Business and the Architectural industry as I hope to one day open my own practice. Before I am done with my co-op term I want to leave with a deeper understanding of masonry and a cohesive understanding of how a project goes from a design phase to being built.

What has been the most surprising thing you’ve learned about Gillis Quarries, the industry, or yourself since you started this position?

The most surprising element is how far from my experience from the ED Program has elevated my work. From designing to understanding the structural element of masonry application. Another thing that surprised me was how deeply Gillis is involved in the Design industry, but we don’t see enough of them. I am also privileged to work next to previous ED graduates, Civil Engineers, Drafters and administrators as my work is multifaceted.

Jackielyn had this advise for anyone considering hiring a co-op student,

“Be open to the opportunity. I was skeptical at first however since hiring I’ve been pleased with the output, and I am thankful for the knowledge I’ve gained in return. We initially weren’t looking for a termed position, a summer term at that – however, it has been a great help and gain for Gillis Quarries on multiple levels.  The employer benefits from a high caliber, albeit short term employee while the student gets the invaluable industry experience they thirst for to round out their education.  Joy has been exposed to many facets of the industry and possibly in ways he was not expecting. It is a win-win for everyone.”

Jeffrey Dolovich, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Gillis Quarries provides a tour of the of the quarry in Garson, MB

Co-op staff  visited the production and administrative facilities where Joy is employed this summer.

Many students find it daunting to make career decisions before graduation. By participating in a co-op program, they can explore various work environments, industries, and fields, helping them discover where they fit best and what they enjoy most.

In Agricultural and Food Sciences, both diploma and undergraduate degree students can gain academic credit by participating in four-month, full-time work experiences related to their field of study. After completing a co-op term, students frequently report a deeper understanding of the material, often leading to improved grades.

As Co-op Coordinator for the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Holly Klann offers career coaching to co-op students, runs job search related workshops, assists students with resume and cover letter writing, and bridges the gap between employers and students.

“Work integrated Learning (WIL) is such an important component of the academic experience. It connects theoretical classroom learning with practical real-world applications, and it helps develop key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, initiative, and problem solving,” said Klann.

“This, along with the applied work experience, makes hiring graduates from a co-op program very appealing to employers. Ultimately, WIL creates a mutually beneficial scenario for both students and employers alike.”

Eighty-six percent of graduates who participated in the co-op program reported that it was beneficial to their career post-graduation. Most of these graduates work in roles related to their field of study, with over half returning to a previous co-op employer.

A co-op designation provides students with a competitive edge when applying for jobs post-graduation. It indicates that they have relevant work experience in addition to academic achievements, allowing prospective employers to assess their abilities before hiring for permanent, full-time positions. Most employers consider evaluating students for future long-term employment as one of the top benefits of hiring co-op students.

Gabriella Beckta is a third year Agronomy student, currently on her third work term as a Summer Associate in Field Solutions for Bayer CropScience. In her previous terms, she worked for Richardson International. She chose to participate in the co-op program initially because she saw it as a chance to work through the summer and make money while also gaining credits. She says her current co-op role has helped her develop adaptability and problem-solving skills.

“My workday is always different as each day is dependent on the trials we are working on in the field, the time of the year and the weather. Some days we are spraying chemicals allocated to a field trial and other days I am planting seeds, or on less busy days we are keeping up maintenance of the fields and yard as well as taking ratings of the trials growth and changes,” said Beckta.

“The biggest benefit of co-op is the development of my leadership and communication skills. It has taught me that being a leader doesn’t mean you have to be the boss; being a leader can be shown and practiced by anyone.”

Beckta’s supervisor, Tony Britton, a Field Agronomist with Bayer, emphasizes that agricultural learning extends beyond the classroom. He encourages students working on summer projects to actively engage, ask questions, and learn about current industry challenges and the solutions their team is developing.

“In Gabby’s case, she’s learning about experimental pesticides, and where they could fit in future markets through field testing,” said Britton.

“The more knowledgeable students become, the greater asset they are to their teams. I am confident that what students like Gabby are learning will provide a lot of value for their future careers in agriculture. It’s truly a win-win for both supervisors and students.”

After graduation, Beckta plans to continue in the agriculture industry as a sales agronomist. Her words of advice to someone considering co-op?

“Just do it! I know it can be intimidating to take a course at the same time as work, but it is such a good experience to have on your resume and the co-op program coordinators have realistic expectations for course load and are very flexible.”

Learn more:

• Co-operative Education Program at the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
• VIDEO – FAFS Co-operative Education information session
• VIDEO – Meet a Food Science co-op student
• All UM co-ops

As an employer, you will have the opportunity to become a mentor to aspiring business students by contributing to their education outside of the classroom. Entrance to the Asper co-op program is competitive, which means your business will be hiring some of our top talent. Successful applicants will have been pre-screened and admitted to the program based on academics, professionalism and communication skills.

In a survey sent to our summer 2023 employers, 99% of supervisors would recommend an Asper co-op student to their colleagues. If that doesn’t have you convinced, we’ve curated a list of our top six reasons to hire an Asper co-op student.

1) There’s funding available

Don’t let money be a barrier in hiring an Asper co-op student. Did you know that you can apply for funding up to $7,500? The Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) even has a variety of funding opportunities to hire students for experiential learning. We have created a list of wage subsidy options for future employers.

2) No office, no problem

With the new virtual work landscape, your geographic location matters less. From Vancouver, British Columbia, to St. John’s, Newfoundland, our students can join your workspace from anywhere. While the Asper School of Business is based out of Winnipeg, many of our students are willing to work virtual or even temporarily relocate if possible.

3) They bring a new perspective

One of the benefits of new hires is that they bring a fresh perspective. At the Asper School of Business, we pride ourselves on being leaders in our industry, ensuring our students are up-to-date on industry trends. Our students don’t shy away from learning, are eager to take on new tasks, and quickly adapt to our world’s changing technology. While they can bring a variety of skillsets to your workplace, they are best known for their willingness to learn from others.

4) It’s good for business

We understand the difficulties of staffing, which has been made more difficult by the pandemic. Your hiring practices are changing, staff are adapting to a virtual work place and you need to find employees who fit with your work culture. When you hire a co-op student, your company can fill any temporary or short-term staffing gaps.

There’s also the added bonus of reducing your recruitment and training costs. If the co-op placement is a good fit for both parties, we often see employers extend a student’s term and sometimes offer them fulltime employment. This means you can skip the new employee onboarding as you’re gaining a staff member who is already familiar with your company values, culture and business.

5) We have both undergraduate and graduate students looking for co-op

Due to the success of the Bachelor of Commerce co-op program, introducing the program at the master’s level was the logical next step. Employers can now choose from students studying a BComm, MBA, Master of Finance, or Master of Supply Chain Management and Logistics, allowing organizations to find students with the skillsets and experience that suit their business.

6) You invest in the future

When you employ a student, you are helping shape the future of business. Every year, we have more than 500 BComm and master’s students graduate. They take everything they’ve learned in and outside the classroom–co-ops included–to their new workplaces.

The Asper co-op program has been around for more than 14 years, and our grads are employed around the world. It’s guaranteed that they will never forget the impact their co-op terms made on their education and professional career.

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Ready to hire an Asper co-op student? Visit our Information for Employers page to find out your next steps.

Proudly accredited by CEWIL Canada, the I. H. Asper School of Business Co-op Program is one of the largest co-op programs at the University of Manitoba. This experiential learning program provides students with skills and knowledge that set them apart in the workforce. Asper’s 2021 Employment Report notes that 99% of co-op students find full-time employment within three months of graduation. The program also builds lasting relationships between students and employers: on average 80% of Asper Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) Co-op students go on to work for their co-op employers after graduation.

This year’s ceremony is the first to welcome co-op students from the Master’s Co-op Program, which launched in 2022. Stu Clark Graduate School students from the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Finance (MFin) programs are furthering their professional development and connecting with employers through co-op education and will soon be joined by students in the Master of Supply Chain Management and Logistics (MSCM) program. Beginning last summer with one MBA co-op student placement, the program grew to place 14 MBA and MFin students last fall and will welcome its first cohort of MSCM students in Summer 2023.

Above all, the program is committed to connecting talented Asper Co-op students and employers in Manitoba, Canada and around the world. The 2022 Celebrating Co-op Awards is an opportunity to renew this commitment and honour these connections.

2022 Student of the Year: Jacinda Flores

Congratulations to Jacinda Flores, an Actuarial Mathematics major who was nominated by her co-op employer, Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company.

As an actuarial intern on the Actuarial Pricing team, Flores exceeded expectations in her primary duties. Using actuarial pricing software and market quote data, she developed new reporting methodologies for measuring changes relevant to Wawanesa homeowner product in Western Canada.

Beyond excelling in her primary tasks, Flores stood out with her proactive approach on the team and within the company.

“Jacinda set herself apart from her fellow interns and co-op students with her willingness to take on responsibilities and initiatives beyond the scope of her internship to support causes that were important to her and causes that aligned with Wawanesa’s values,” said Senior Actuarial Analyst Kyle Casalla [BComm(Hons)/18] and Manager Felix Chan.

Flores created a recycling program at the office for used office supplies and small electronics. She also aimed to advance equity, diversity and inclusion at Wawanesa by researching equitable recruitment and onboarding practices for the actuarial teams.

Her achievement also highlights the success of the co-op program and its legacy. Casalla, who supported her nomination, is a former co-op student himself. For Casalla and Chan, Flores’ initiative demonstrates the high standard of the co-op program and the contributions of Asper Co-op students.

“She has truly gone above and beyond what is expected and exemplifies the types of contributions that co-op students should strive to make at any organization they have the opportunity to work for.”

2022 Employer of the Year: EY

EY, one of the top accounting firms in the world, received the 2022 Employer of the Year award for their commitment to experiential education and to supporting their co-op students. EY hosted 13 student placements this year as part of the Asper Co-op program.

Asper Co-op student Keshav Kaushal completed all three work terms at EY as a CPA Staff Accountant and nominated EY to recognize their mentorship. Kaushal recounts the support, patience and positive feedback that was offered on new assignments. He also describes how mentorship at EY operated across all levels of the organization.

“Everyone at EY has acted as a mentor towards me in different capacities. From partners to seniors, all individuals provided me with quality advice about client files, audits, the CPA program and how to handle work and life simultaneously.”

Kaushal also highlighted EY’s involvement in the business community and dedication to business education.

“EY is very committed to the students at the Asper School of Business, the co-op program office, the community as a whole and the co-op students at a personal level,” said Kaushal. “They take care of their co-op students and go above and beyond for them as they did for me.”

EY’s support of Kaushal and co-op students reflects the purpose of the co-op program. Kaushal, describing the impact of his experience as co-op student at EY, said, “I have been a confident student, but they helped me become a confident accountant.”

In helping participants to imagine this transition, from student to professional or from student to mentor, the co-op program enriches the Asper experience. The Celebrating Co-op 2022 Awards marks a fitting conclusion to another year of co-op success.

Summer recruitment for 2023 Co-op Program begins soon! Visit the program webpage to apply before the deadline on February 15, 2023.

SYDNEY LEVASSEUR-PUHACH
B.A. (Hons.) (Psychology)

Sydney Levasseur-Puhach is determined to work to decolonize systems that have been historically harmful to Indigenous people. As an Indigenous person, she had a desire to choose a field of study that would allow her to support her relatives in culturally meaningful ways. This led her to psychology and in particular an interest in clinical work. Sydney was a BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow scholarship winner out of high school providing her with $16,000 over four years of study. Choosing the University of Manitoba also allowed her to pursue a degree close to her family.

Research opportunities shaped a large part of Sydney’s undergraduate experience and enhanced her overall education by immersing her in the field and her interests. “In my first year of study, Dr. Shayna Plaut encouraged me to push the boundaries of what I believed to be possible, in psychology and academia, by grounding my work in Indigenous methodologies and epistemologies,” said Sydney. She built on her classroom studies with research experiences provided through the Psychology Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE), the UM Undergraduate Research Award (URA) and the University Indigenous Research Program (UIRP). “My research has been focused on Indigenous youth and family wellbeing with supervision from Dr. Leslie Roos, assistant professor and co-director of the Hearts and Minds Lab. In response to culturally misaligned assessment methods used with Indigenous children in CFS systems, I conducted a Scoping Review in 2019 to inquire into wellness assessments used with Indigenous people across Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand.” Identifying a gap in the literature, Sydney assembled an Indigenous Community Advisory Council to create a culturally safe and strengths-based wellness assessment appropriate for Indigenous youth in Manitoba. “Other studies I have been involved with have included those centred around systems navigation programming for Indigenous families separated by CFS and the reclamation of traditional Indigenous parenting practices,” said Sydney. Sydney credits the social justice orientation of the Hearts and Minds Lab and the support of her supervisors Dr. Roos and Dr. Ryan Giuliano with helping her build her knowledge, skills and experience throughout her degree.

During her degree, Sydney continued to be rewarded for her hard work receiving the President’s Scholarship multiple times and she was recently named the Indigenous Student Trailblazer Award winner.

In September 2022, Sydney will begin pursuing a Masters’ degree in clinical psychology at UM and hopes to complete a PhD with a goal of becoming a Clinical Psychologist. “Indigenous clinical service providers are scarce in Manitoba,” says Sydney “I hope to contribute to a growing body of literature related to the importance of self-determination and reclaiming culture, and to walk alongside my community in a respectful, empowering and supportive way.”

FAREEDAH SULAIMAN-OLOKODANA
B.A. (Adv.) (Labour Studies) Co-op Option

A few years ago, Fareedah Sulaiman-Olokodana and her family were searching for a university that would provide her with a well-rounded education, give exposure to a world-view and allow her to meet people from other cultures. The Nigerian chose the University of Manitoba. This spring, Fareedah will graduate with an Advanced Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in labour studies and a minor in management.

Fareedah’s most impactful moment during her time at UM was the day she chose to visit Career Services. “At the time I was really confused on what to major in,” she said. “But when I met with one of the career coaches, we talked about my strengths and weaknesses, things I was interested in and so on. That’s how I found out about the labour studies program. Labour studies is a wonderful community where I made great friends and had amazing professors that cared about their students’ successes.”

The advanced degree in labour studies offers multiple opportunities for students to gain practical experience in work settings including a field placement course providing students with an unpaid internship while they gain course credit and a co-op option where students complete three, paid work terms as part of their degree. Fareedah’s field placement was with the Community Unemployed Help Centre. While there, she developed a client satisfaction survey, conducted a social media review (leading to the creation of a new strategy) and updated training packages. Fareedah completed all three of her co-op placements in the same organization, N.E.E.D.S. Inc., as a Facilitator Assistant. She had the opportunity to work with different departments within the agency to gain a variety of experiences. “My work included a stop in the Administrative Department learning human resources and administrative tasks. I then moved to an area where I facilitated the after-school and summer school programs for youth aged 7 to 14. Finally, I worked in the Service Delivery area learning caseload management,” said Fareedah.

She found ways to connect with the international student community during her degree with AIESEC Manitoba and World University Service of Canada. She was recognized this year as the first recipient of the Canadian Association for Work and Labour Studies Undergraduate Excellence Award.

Following graduation, Fareedah has jumped head first into her career utilizing the contacts she made during her time in the Faculty of Arts. She is now in a full-time role with N.E.E.D.S. Inc. and is currently a member of the board at Community Unemployed Help Centre.

“As an international student, I struggled to understand how I could fit in the workplace of a society I had no idea how to navigate,” shared Fareedah. “I needed that practical learning experience where I could apply concepts learnt in the classroom into a real life setting. But, my degree ended up giving me more than that. Through my courses, my internship, volunteer work and co-op, I saw myself evolve as a student and a professional.”

At its 2022 UM Convocation, the University of Manitoba will confer degrees, diplomas and certificates on 2,835 graduates.
Visit the UM Student Instagram  and Faculty of Arts Instagram to learn more about some of the students graduating in 2022. You’ll find congratulations messages from fellow graduates and professors, stories about fellow graduates, more information about convocation and tips for new alumni. You can also join the ‘Convocation conversation’ on social media by following #umanitoba2022.

Somia met with the Co-Op Coordinator Leslie Goodman to reflect on her experiences as a co-op participant, and her continued involvement in the co-op with the program as a mentor and employer.

WHEN DID YOU PARTICIPATE IN CO-OP AND WHAT CHALLENGES AND SUCCESSES DID YOU ENCOUNTER?

I participated in the co-op program between 2002 and 2006. As an international student and new to Canada, I faced many challenges beyond a new language and culture. The Canadian market and work environment were learning experiences to say the least. Enrolling in the co-op program eased my transition and proved to be one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. It provided me with access to employment support services, training and professional development. It also increased my exposure to professionals in my field of study. I credit my current success to my participation in the co-op program.

WHAT TYPES OF POSITIONS DID YOU COMPLETE WHILE IN CO-OP?

I completed two terms as an environmental planner for an engineering and planning firm that turned into a full-time job after I graduated. Through this position I worked on several environmental assessment projects for the energy sector. I spent a third term working in Ethiopia with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) on institutional capacity building and developing a model for identification of social issues for micro-dam projects. By graduation, I completed applied research and independent studies and had networked with company executives, trade commissioners, regulators, practitioners and senior academics. 

NOW AS AN EMPLOYER, HOW ARE YOU ENGAGING IN CO-OP?

Narratives Inc. is working closely with the co-op office to create opportunities for students to introduce them to the world of impact assessments, Indigenous engagement and conflict transformation. Our goal is to give students a flavour for environmental and community development work through professional development evenings, networking events and internships. We have a student professional development event coming up and are looking to use role-playing and case studies to bring concrete examples to students who are moving into the environmental assessment and community engagement.

DESCRIBE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CO-OP PROGRAM IN:

•  defining career goals:

A co-op placement can be best explained as a paid sampling experience – you get a sense of what opportunities align with the courses you’ve taken, and what career path you should be on. 

• gaining applicable experiences to your undergraduate training:

I enjoyed my courses so much more after my first placement because I understood that classroom knowledge could be put to real use.

AS AN ALUMNUS, WHAT ARE YOUR WORDS OF WISDOM IN:

• professional development as an undergraduate student:

 Absolutely critical! I have said this to students many times over the years: find a professional cheerleader! If your only cheerleaders are your family members, you’re in trouble. Get out there and find a mentor, find two mentors, or even find three! If you have a mentor, they can be your compass, your benchmark, your way to tell what you need to succeed in the field.

• participating and engaging in professional activities and organizations:

This is very important. As an employer, I want to know you are passionate about learning, are driven, and will be a brand ambassador for us! You’re not just “doing a job” — it is something you truly love. So, yes, participate as much as you can. We’re watching!

For more information on the co-op education programs at the University of Manitoba, visit the co-op website.

This national award recognizes a student project that demonstrates leadership, innovation, inspiration and a creative vision for the future of sustainable design in the field of green building and communities.

Bianca is completing a 16-month work-term as an architectural assistant in the Technical Services Branch of Alberta Infrastructure. She will soon graduate with her Bachelor of Environmental Design degree, and commence the Master of Architecture program at the University of Manitoba in September 2019.   

Other Winnipeg CaGBC winners include Partners Program member Prairie Architects Inc., who earned a Green Building Excellence – Tenant Improvement Award for the LEED CI Platinum design of their own offices in the Exchange District. For a full list of recipients, see the CaGBC News Release.

Weaving Ecological Knowledge

Bianca Dahlman, Weave Cultural Centre. See also the CaGBC June publication.

Bianca was the only student honoured among other distinguished professionals from across Canada at the CaGBC Building Lasting Change conference and awards gala in Vancouver on May 28-30, 2019.

Her winning project, The Weave Cultural Centre, creates a multi-purpose space where the Anishinaabe community of Shoal Lake 40 can reconnect with their history and celebrate their culture through knowledge sharing across generations.

According to Bianca’s project description, Weave “embraces life cycle thinking by incorporating the harvest of local trees, the re-planting of those trees, local milling and construction labor… and engages the practice of Anishinaabe Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) through integrating the building and conserving of the structure into its programming.” For the CaGBC submission, Bianca further incorporated ground source heat pumps and a Pressure Equalized Rain Screen Insulation Structure Technique (PERSIST).

Bianca visited Shoal Lake 40 and produced Weave as part of an ED4 design studio course led by Assistant Professor and Indigenous Scholar Shawn Bailey, along with Adele Sinclair and Shawn Sinclair of Boreal Architecture Studio Inc.

Alberta Infrastructure

Bianca further credits her green design development to Alberta Infrastructure, where she has been working as a Co-op student researching Net Zero Energy and zero carbon emission standards. As Bianca emphasizes, “To date, Alberta Infrastructure has 191 LEED certified projects in their portfolio and has been a past winner of the CaGBC’s Government Leadership Award. Needless to say, Alberta Infrastructure has played a key role in my development as a green building practitioner. I am grateful to my mentors for engaging me in this important work.”

Since May 2018, Bianca has been a Co-op student in the Technical Services Branch of Alberta Infrastructure in Edmonton, performing green building design reviews and collaborating with their climate leadership team.

As Bianca puts it, “My experience at Alberta Infrastructure has been an absolute dream.”

In addition to broadening knowledge in building codes and energy modeling, Bianca has studied federal and provincial energy regulations, plus renewable energy strategies and goals. She has served as a speaker and session host in the Alberta Infrastructure Climate Summit in Edmonton in December 2018; given several presentations on Net Zero Ready Schools; and earned the credentials of LEED Green Associate and LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design + Construction.

According to Bonnie Dong, Bianca’s supervisor and Senior Engineer at Alberta Infrastructure, “Bianca is a model for sustainability in her daily life and in support of the green building community.”

For her outstanding development, leadership and achievements, Bianca earned an honorable mention as University of Manitoba Co-op student of the year in March 2019.

To learn more about Bianca’s award winning project click here.

Cooperative Education and the Faculty of Architecture

 The Faculty of Architecture’s Cooperative Education/Integrated Work program is now in its second year. Twenty students are on work term placements in summer 2019, up from 16 students in summer 2018. Work terms are open to undergraduate students in the third or fourth year of the Environmental Design Program, as well as graduate students in Architecture, City Planning, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture.

Work terms complement and enrich academic programs with work experience, providing students with practical experience, assistance in financing their education, and guidance for future career specialization.

As Bianca Dahlman has shown with her Canada Green Building Council Award, Co-op work terms can also amplify academic achievements to national profile and empower the next generation of design professionals to fight climate change via sustainable design.

To learn more about Cooperative Education and the Faculty of Architecture, visit the Co-op program webpage.

During mid-summer on-site meetings, we repeatedly heard how impressed employers were with the caliber of applications and portfolios, and with the strong skills and versatility of students. These work terms are nurturing the next generation of design professionals. Employer feedback and returning students are invigorating life and learning in the Faculty of Architecture.

While every keen student who applied to the Co-op/I program in its pilot year did not secure a summer placement, 60% of applicants earned job interviews and everyone participated in career-development workshops, while gaining awareness of diverse professional paths.

The Co-op program is a great opportunity for the university and the profession to connect. Grounding students with real-world scenarios can be a huge eye-opener and by no means does this diminish the exploration offered through their academic experience. Similarly, it’s a great opportunity for practitioners to be reminded about where they came from and that architecture is most fruitful when ideas and exploration are integral to the practice. — Glen Gross, Architect at 1×1 architecture inc.

Experiential Learning for all Disciplines

Designed to complement and enrich academic study with work experience, the Co-op/I program responds to alumni and student input, while advancing the University of Manitoba’s strategic planning priority of “Inspiring Minds” by increasing opportunities for experiential learning.

The Cooperative Education / Integrated Work Program option is open to any Faculty of Architecture student in good standing who has completed 85 credit hours of University studies. This includes students in the last two years of the undergraduate Environmental Design program (ED3 and ED4) in any option – Architecture, Interior Environments, or Landscape + Urbanism; and students in the Architecture Master’s Preparation stream (AMP1 and AMP2). Graduate students in any professional program – Architecture, City Planning, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture – may, with permission, also participate in work terms.

The Faculty of Architecture’s Co-op/I program meets the province of Manitoba’s definition of Co-op, making employers eligible for the Manitoba Paid Work Experience Tax Credits.

The Co-op program has given me the opportunity to build relationships with architects and designers outside of Winnipeg. Being a member of Stantec in Edmonton this summer has been essential to my education and has changed the way I approach design. The range of work and scale of projects they have offered me as a Co-op student has been exciting and beneficial to me, especially as I approach my thesis year. — Katelynn Schutz, Graduate Architecture Student

Ready to hire a student for summer 2019?

Students will begin applying to available positions in February and March for placements beginning in May.  If you are interested in hiring a Faculty of Architecture student in a paid position, please forward the following information to the Co-op/I Coordinator, Corrine Klekta:

• Job Title
• Job Location
• Length of term (min. 10 weeks)
• Job Description
• Job Requirements / Qualifications
• Application process (contact info)

We aim to be flexible and accommodating for both employers and students as we continue to develop this new program. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Program Coordinator, Corrine Klekta at faumcoop@umanitoba.ca, or visit the Faculty of Architecture’s Cooperative Education website.

2018 Testimonials:

The Co-op program benefits both students and employers. Employers offer students experience in day-to-day practice to balance their education and boost their CVs. Students offer employers insight into current educational teaching and trends as well as a fresh perspective on design. I highly recommend the Co-op program to any student intending to practice after graduation.— Nadine Pearson, Architect, Number TEN Architectural Group

I remember the nervous exhilaration of my first architectural jobs while still a student at Carleton University. These experiences gave me the confidence and conviction to land a job in New York City upon graduating. I’m thrilled now to be assisting students forge their own paths, and to help to make the bridges between academia and practice real.    — Lisa Landrum, Co-op/I Academic Liaison and Associate Dean Research

Through my experience in the Asper Co-op program, I became convinced that experiential learning opportunities are of the utmost importance in a young professional’s early career development. I am passionate about bringing these opportunities to the Faculty of Architecture and ensuring that Co-op/I students are provided with the mentorship, coaching, and work term experiences essential to excel in today’s planning and design industries. — Corrine Klekta, Faculty of Architecture Co-op/I Program Coordinator

Thank you to the 2018 participating employers:
1×1 Architecture Inc., Winnipeg
Alberta Infrastructure, Technical Services Branch, Edmonton   
Beijing Institute of Architectural Design / Zhuxiaodi Architects, Beijing
BLDG Architecture Office Inc., Winnipeg
Brown & Sons Construction, Selkirk
D’Ambrosio Architecture + Urbanism, Victoria
EQ3 Ltd., Winnipeg
HPP Architects, Shanghai
Kindret Landscaping Inc., Winnipeg
Number TEN Architectural Group, Winnipeg
Stantec Architecture Ltd., Edmonton
Urban Strategies Inc., Toronto

It’s been a mutually beneficial arrangement, to be sure. Just ask the person charged with taking care of co-op students: Al McLeod, Vice-President of Innovation for the storied insurance provider. McLeod has been with Wawanesa for a decade, and he’s proud of the way his company has challenged and mentored students, as opposed to just giving them make work projects. He can’t say enough about the quality of the students Wawanesa has gotten from the Science Co-op Program.

“The thing about co-op [students] is they just breathe life into the place. They bring a different aspect to everything we do. They’re just so thankful to be working in a place that challenges them, let’s them experiment, let’s them fail, let’s them learn. The kind of co-ops we find we get from the U of M, they push through and at the end of it they look back at it and they’re very satisfied with the experience because they know they’ve actually overcome adversity and they’ve been able to figure things out on their own. I find when they come here [we get] reverse mentoring. We learn a lot from our co-ops. We would love to hire some of these folks. They’re just terrific.”

Andy Lun, Science Co-op student. Image courtesy of Mike Latschislaw.

Chi Fung (Andy) Lun is a fourth year Computer Science student who is currently on a work term at Wawanesa. Lun feels that his time with the company has given him an edge over others who haven’t had the benefit of the co-op experience.

“I have practical industry experience now. I get to work on things that aren’t taught in class, and experience technology and tools firsthand. During my second work term, I worked on an iOS application; in the following study term, I took Software Engineering II where I got to apply the iOS application development experience that I’d gained through my co-op work experience.

“[It] has definitely broadened my horizons as to what is happening in the industry. I know what I’m doing now. I’ve got a clearer understanding of my future. I would never have thought of research and development as a career path. I was always thinking of going into app development or web development.”

Lun is certain that other Science students would benefit from participating in the U of M Science Co-op Program. Not only does he feel that he’s a step ahead of others when it comes to understanding what he wants to do in the future, he appreciates the support he’s gotten from the co-op staff throughout.

“They helped when I was going through my work terms. From not knowing how to write a cover letter, or not knowing how to structure my resume in my first work term, all the way to now, where they’ve been busy organizing interviews and checking in on us.

“I want employers to know that it’s a great opportunity to find new employees. Students in the University of Manitoba Science Co-op Program have a lot to offer. I feel like it’s a mutually beneficial relationship:  we get experience, they get new ideas.”

Lun’s fellow co-op student at Wawanesa is Diarra Mbacke. Mbacke is in her third year at the U of M and is currently working on earning her Honours degree in both Mathematics and Computer Science. This is just her first co-op term, but Mbacke has already gained significant work experience doing research on her favourite topics: machine learning and deep learning. She appreciates the trust Wawanesa has placed in her to work through the problems she’s given.

“There is no specific instruction that has been given to us. We’re just given a problem and we can do anything we want and use all the resources that are available to us in order to solve it. That’s the most exciting part about it. Every single day is different, based on what it is you’re trying to solve.”

Science Co-op students working at Wawanesa aren’t just learning; they’re mentoring too.

Diarra Mbacke, Science Co-op student. Image courtesy of Mike Latschislaw.

During the month of July Wawanesa participated in a program called “YouthCEO” – Creative Employment Opportunities – that grew out of a 2017 summer internship program organized by the Business Council of Manitoba, in partnership with the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre (WASAC) and Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development. The summer internship program connects 17- and 18-year old high school students with Manitoba’s leading businesses to spark interest in the working world.

As part of the week-long internship at Wawanesa, the company connected a promising Grade 12 student together with successful co-op students to give the high schooler a glimpse of possible careers after graduation, and possibly inspire them to pursue a post-secondary education as well.

Wawanesa offers co-op students a place where they can work independently or consult with staff if they need guidance. This is the Innovation lab, and McLeod stresses that it’s not just about technology; it provides space for staff and co-op students to generate innovative new ideas.

“I like to say that our labs run on co-op power. We’ve really put a lot of effort into hiring people who are very creative and innovative. When we bring in the co-ops, they bring enthusiasm. One of the best things about bringing [them] in, it’s a natural age diversity. You get people working in their early 20s, even as young as 19, working with older, more experienced Wawanesa employees. It’s interesting, the ideas that come through because of that.

“This last term, we’ve had a number of projects in artificial intelligence and deep learning. We have a project going on right now that is working on deep learning related to image recognition. We have another project that is related to setting up the development environment to use Amazon web services for machine learning. So, we have a lot of high-tech projects that are going on.”

For more information on the University of Manitoba Science Co-op Program, please contact Geoffrey Anderson, Science Co-op Director, phone: 204-474-9588.