HELP BUILD THE NEXT GENERATION OF DESIGNERS: HIRE A CO-OP STUDENT TODAY!

Our students are excited to contribute to your business and build a better world. Here’s how they describe themselves:

“Open-minded to new ideas, resilient to demanding work environments, and loves to bring her sense of humor to the work environment.”

“Creative mind with an entrepreneurial spirit for business. Passionate about exploratory and experimental architecture.”

“Experienced in residential and commercial designs, with practice in space planning, design development, quantification, and budget works.”  

“Strong multi-tasking attributes allowing for smooth workflow in a highly active setting.”  

Employers schedule for hiring 2025 Summer Students:

• Job posting: January to May
• Application Review: according to the employer’s deadline
• Interviews and Offers: determined by the employer
• Work Term Start Date: May (exact date determined by the employer)
• Work Term End Date: August (or later for 8, 12, or 16-month work terms)

Co-op work terms must be full-time, paid positions for a minimum of 10-weeks. Employers may be qualified for Manitoba Paid Work Experience Tax Credits and other hiring incentives.  

Are you ready to post an opportunity?
Send the following details to faumcoop@umanitoba.ca or complete our online submission form

• Job title
• Job Location
• Length of Term
• Job Description
• Job Requirements/ qualifications
• Application details

The Co-operative Education / Integrated Work Program is available to students at both undergraduate and graduate levels in all disciplines: Environmental Design, Architecture, City Planning, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture. This year we have over 150 students looking to find a co-op placement.

For more information on the Faculty of Architecture Co-op Program please visit us online: https://umanitoba.ca/architecture/cooperative-education#employers

To read about our 2024 Co-op year, see “FAUM Co-op Program celebrates another successful year with strong alumni and employer support” on UM Today.

Cooperation and Partnership Development

Established in 2018, the Faculty of Architecture’s Cooperative Education/Integrated Work Program is designed to enrich academic learning with paid work experience. This program allows students to refine their skills, apply knowledge in real-world settings, expand their perspectives, and explore potential career specializations. Co-op students have contributed to businesses and communities across Canada, internationally, and in northern regions.

The program is available to undergraduate and graduate students in all Environmental Design streams (ED3-level and higher) and all Master’s programs, including Architecture, City Planning, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture.

Student Experience

Michael Mikawoz, an ED3 Architecture student spent his summer Co-op work term at MQN Architecture in Vernon, BC.  For Michael, this placement enabled him to hone his technical software skills – “Having been involved in well over 20 different projects I typically would be working on 5 at the same time. Tagging, dimensioning, adding construction notes were all tasks I would complete daily. Provided an address, I would often create a site in Revit and following the regional bylaws, illustrate setbacks and other important information.”

From turning ‘client napkin sketches’ into 3D modelling, Michael was able to use the foundational knowledge that he learnt in school and apply it to the professional world. When asked about the most valuable takeaway from his summer placement, he said, “Every day I experienced and learned something new and feel fortunate to have had such a great co-op experience. Learning how the design process works for architects and what it’s like being in an office environment has made my decisions on future endeavours clearer.”

Enhancing Skills with Experiential Learning

Over 130 Faculty of Architecture students participated in Co-op in 2023-2024. Everyone involved benefited from career-development workshops, including sessions on interview skills, resumé composition and cover letter writing. Additionally, students enjoyed trans-disciplinary exchanges with one another across different streams and with potential employers from multiple design, planning and construction sectors.

The annual portfolio workshop allowed 90 students to network and gain personalized feedback, detailed advice and inspirational encouragement.

Thank you to the numerous professionals, including representatives from the MAA, MALA, MPPI and PIDIM, who dedicated time and insights to this valuable mentorship opportunity.

Thinking to hire a Co-op student in 2025?

We welcome opportunities in all design and planning fields, as well as government, not-for-profit and commercial sectors. Four, eight, twelve and sixteen-month work terms are available, typically beginning in May. Hiring incentives for employers, including Manitoba tax credits, are available. Find out more here.

Thank you to the 2024 participating Co-op employers:

1×1 Architecture
Affinity Architecture
Architecture 49
Doors Open Winnipeg
Elm Builders
GCAT Group Inc.
Gillis Quarries
Grey & Ivy
Holz Construction
HTFC
LM Architectural Group
MMP Architects
MQN Architecture
Number TEN
Province of Manitoba
Red River Planning District
Scatliff + Miller + Murray
Shape Industries
Stantec
Storefront MB
Studio One Eleven
Thurber Engineering
Unit 7 Architecture
Urban Systems Limited
Verne Reimer Architecture Incorporated

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.

Twenty-five students from the Faculty of Architecture secured work terms in summer 2023 – including positions in Winnipeg and Surrey, BC.

These experiential learning opportunities help build professional skills and knowledge, foster career development, and expose young designers to inspiring and important work.

Student Experience

Kylie Tokariwski, an ED4 Architecture student spent her summer Co-op work term at Holz Constructors Incorporated.  For Kylie, this placement enabled her to hone her technical skills – from building pre-fab wall panels to detailing construction drawings, Kylie was able to use her foundational knowledge that she learnt in school and apply it to the professional world. When asked about the most valuable take away from her summer placement, she said, “nothing beats building a wall panel from scratch. From framing, to sheathing, to applying waterproofing, I will never forget how a wall goes together!”

Enhancing Skills with Experiential Learning

Over 100 Faculty of Architecture students participated in Co-op in 2022-2023. Everyone involved benefited from career-development workshops, including sessions on interview skills, resumé composition and cover letter writing. Additionally, students enjoyed trans-disciplinary exchanges with one another across different streams and with potential employers from multiple design, planning and construction sectors.

The annual portfolio workshop allowed students to network and gain personalized feedback, detailed advice and inspirational encouragement.

Thank you to the numerous professionals, including representatives from the MAA, MALA, MPPI and PIDIM, who dedicated time and insights to this valuable mentorship opportunity.

Cooperation and Partnership Development

Launched in 2018, the Faculty of Architecture’s Cooperative Education/Integrated Work Program option is designed to complement academic study with paid work experience, enabling students to sharpen skills, apply knowledge, broaden perspectives, and consider future career specialization. Co-op students have worked internationally, across Canada and in the north, helping businesses and communities prosper.

Co-op is open to undergraduate and graduate students in all streams of the Environmental Design program (ED3-level and higher) and all Masters programs (Architecture, City Planning, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture).

Thinking to hire a Co-op student in 2024?

We welcome opportunities in all design and planning fields, as well as government, not-for-profit and commercial sectors. Four, eight, twelve and sixteen-month work terms are available, typically beginning in May. Hiring incentives for employers, including Manitoba tax credits, are available. Find out more here.

Thank you to the 2023 participating Co-op employers:

Champagne Landscaping
UofM AES
f-Blok
HTFC
FAUM Workshop
Little Bluestem Landscape Architecture
Stantec
Sputnik Architecture
Architecture49
Scatliff Milller Murray
Shape Industries
St. James Assiniboia School Division
Geller’s Design | Build | Landscape
Boreal Architecture
Grey & Ivy
UofM AES
Thinkspace Architecture
Kindret Landscaping
Verne Reimer Architecture
StorefrontMB
Holz Construction
Architecture49
LM Architectural Group

Held in the downtown event space of the Winnipeg Stantec offices, this mentorship event mixed and matched current Co-op students with potential employers in design and planning fields. Three rounds of portfolio sharing were complemented by casual socializing and formal advice on how to translate design learning to professional practice.

The vibe was thrilling! Being held in person for the first time since 2020, the students’ nervous excitement was matched by the mentors’ generosity and joy.

“The talent in the room was next level… I met incredibly skilled students shining in their respective programs and was in the company of colleagues and local leaders in city building disciplines.” – Choi Ho, Landmark Planning & Design.

THANK YOU to the thirty professionals who dedicated time and insights to this valuable mentorship opportunity, including many Faculty of Architecture alumni and representatives from all four professional associations: the Manitoba Association of Architects (MAA), the Manitoba Association of Landscape Architects (MALA), the Manitoba Professional Planners Institute (MPPI), and the Professional Interior Designers Institute of Manitoba (PIDIM).

Special gratitude goes to Stantec for hosting the event and to landscape architect Monica Giesbrecht of HTFC and architects Michael Banman of Stantec and Shane Solomon from Republic Architecture Inc, who provided opening advice on effective outreach and portfolio strategies for students.

Congratulations to the trivia challenge winners: Emily Bews (Cibinel Architecture Inc.), Hyeonji (Angie) Kwon (M.Arch student), and Faith Peters (ED-Interior Environments student).

Cooperation Education / Integrated Work Program

Launched in 2018, the Faculty of Architecture’s Cooperative Education/Integrated Work program is designed to complement academic study with paid work experience. The program enables students to sharpen skills, apply knowledge, broaden perspectives, and consider future career specialization, while also benefiting employers with fresh talent, inspiring diversity, and tax credits.

Co-op is available to all undergraduate students in the Environmental Design program at the ED3-level and higher, as well as all graduate students in the four Master’s program streams: Architecture, City Planning, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture.

Co-op is compatible with all curriculums, including City Planning internships and the Interior Design Work Experience Program (WEP).

Co-op is optional (not required for graduation), but all Co-op students securing work term placements are required to enroll in an appropriate Work Term course and complete a report for each placement.

Hire a Co-op Student for summer 2023!

Our Co-op students have worked locally, internationally, across Canada and in the north, helping businesses and communities prosper. We welcome job postings in all design and planning fields, as well as government, not-for-profit and commercial sectors. Four, eight, twelve and sixteen-month work terms are available, typically beginning in May. Hiring incentives for employers are available, including Manitoba tax credits. Find out more here.

HELP BUILD THE NEXT GENERATION OF DESIGNERS: HIRE A CO-OP STUDENT TODAY!

Our students are excited to contribute to your business and build a better world. Here’s how they describe themselves:

“Open-minded to new ideas, resilient to demanding work environments, and loves to bring her sense of humor to the work environment.”

“Creative mind with an entrepreneurial spirit for business. Passionate about exploratory and experimental architecture.”

“Experienced in residential and commercial designs, with practice in space planning, design development, quantification, and budget works.”  

“Strong multi-tasking attributes allowing for smooth workflow in a highly active setting.”  

Employers schedule for hiring 2023 Summer Students:

• Job posting: January to May
• Application Review: according to the employer’s deadline
• Interviews and Offers: determined by the employer
• Work Term Start Date: May (exact date determined by the employer)
• Work Term End Date: August (or later for 8, 12, or 16-month work terms)

Co-op work terms must be full-time, paid positions for a minimum of 10-weeks. Employers may be qualified for Manitoba Paid Work Experience Tax Credits and other hiring incentives.  

Are you ready to post an opportunity?
Send the following details to faumcoop [at] umanitoba [dot] ca

• Job title
• Job Location
• Length of Term
• Job Description
• Job Requirements/ qualifications

The Co-operative Education / Integrated Work Program is available to students at both undergraduate and graduate levels in all disciplines: Environmental Design, Architecture, City Planning, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture.

For more information on the Faculty of Architecture Co-op Program please visit us online: https://umanitoba.ca/architecture/cooperative-education#employers

To read about our 2022 Co-op year, see “Launching Careers with Cooperative Education” on UM Today.

Over the past six weeks — and for the next six and a half months — I have embarked on
a co-op work term placement through the faculty of architecture in Iqaluit, Nunavut as a
facility planner with the territorial government.

As the title suggests, I help with the planning stages of all government-owned and
operated facilities throughout Nunavut. This includes, but is not limited to, assisting with any
new builds being constructed or existing buildings that require renovations, and providing
feasibility studies or business cases on how to approach or prioritize any facility
requirements within the other branches of government.

Throughout my brief time here, I must say that this area is truly its own little corner of the
world. It certainly offers similarities to other southern Canadian communities, but the
paradigm shift in the culture is immediately noticeable and quite pleasant in its own way.

Read more

Thirty students from all disciplinary streams secured work terms in summer 2022 – nearly double the number of placements from last year. Two additional work terms commenced this fall. Jobs were secured across Winnipeg, in Toronto, and with the Government of Nunavut in Iqaluit. Thirteen employers in 2022 were first-time Co-op partners!

These experiential learning opportunities are building professional skills and knowledge, fostering career development, and exposing the next generation of designers to a variety of inspiring and important work.

Student Experience

This summer, students gained hands-on experience in building and landscaping, and contributed to designing and planning affordable urban housing, infrastructure and services for First Nations communities, and neighborhood revitalization strategies. Co-op students helped to renovate and maintain educational facilities for two Winnipeg school divisions, and participated in making much loved cultural spaces more beautiful, sustainable and inclusive.

For Saba Mirhosseini, an international M.Arch student from Iran, a Co-op placement with Grey & Ivy enabled her to apply a love of learning, passion for making, and experience working with ArchiKID to a multidisciplinary collective of design-builders bringing educational programs and visualization techniques to Manitoba youth.  For Landscape and Urbanism ED student Lilian Gorchinski, a work term with the Assiniboine Park Conservancy meant collaborating with the skilled zoo horticultural crew to care for plant habitats of butterflies and cougars. She also created and maintained complex landscapes for multitudes of visitors, and gained first-hand technical experience with a variety of landscaping equipment. Watch their Instagram takeovers here.

Insights and testimonials from Co-op students speak to the thrill of gaining a first professional experience, the joy of collaborating with knowledgeable and supportive teams, an appreciation for expanding skills and networks, and an excitement for future contributions to the field.

Enhancing Skills with Experiential Learning

Nearly 120 Faculty of Architecture students participated in Co-op in 2021-2022. Everyone involved benefited from career-development workshops, including sessions on interview skills, resumé composition and cover letter writing. Additionally, students enjoyed trans-disciplinary exchanges with one another across different streams and with potential employers from multiple design, planning and construction sectors.

The annual portfolio workshop enabled students to network and gain personalized feedback, detailed advice and inspirational encouragement.

THANK YOU to the twenty-eight professionals, including representatives from the MAA, MALA, MPPI and PIDIM, who dedicated time and insights to this valuable mentorship opportunity. Special gratitude goes to architects Lindsay Oster of Prairie Architects and Shane Solomon of Republic Architecture Inc. who shared opening words of practical wisdom at this event.

Cooperation and Partnership Development

Launched in 2018, the Faculty of Architecture’s Cooperative Education/Integrated Work Program option is designed to complement academic study with paid work experience, enabling students to sharpen skills, apply knowledge, broaden perspectives, and consider future career specialization. Co-op students have worked internationally, across Canada and in the north, helping businesses and communities prosper.

Co-op is open to undergraduate and graduate students in all streams of the Environmental Design program (ED3-level and higher) and all Masters programs (Architecture, City Planning, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture).

Thinking to hire a Co-op student in 2023?

We welcome opportunities in all design and planning fields, as well as government, not-for-profit and commercial sectors. Four, eight, twelve and sixteen-month work terms are available, typically beginning in May. Hiring incentives for employers, including Manitoba tax credits, are available. Find out more here.

Thank you to the 2022 participating Co-op employers:

5468796 Architecture Inc.
Assiniboine Park Conservancy
City of Toronto (City Planning)
fBlok
ft3 Arch. Landscape & ID
Government of Nunavut
Grey & Ivy
Hanson & Jung Architects, Tor.
Kindret Landscaping
Holz Construction
Little Bluestem Landscape Architecture + Design
LM Architects
MB Gov’t Municipal Relations
MB Parks
MCM Architects
Monteyne Architecture
Number Ten Architects
Ray SC Wan Architects
Scatliff+Murray+Miller
St. James Assiniboia School Div.
StorefrontMB
Verne Reimer Architects
Winnipeg School Division
UM – Arch/Eng. Services
UM – FABLab
UM – Partners Program
Up North Architecture, Inc.
Voitec Architect Inc.

Help build the next generation of designers: Hire a Co-op Student today!

Our students are excited to contribute to your business and build a better world. Here’s how they describe themselves:

“A team player with experience and skills in a variety of software including Adobe Suite, AutoCAD, Vectorworks & GIS.”

“Passionate, ambitious and enthusiastic – eager to acquire new knowledge.”

 “Hard working, determined, and high achieving. Organized and detail-oriented… Open minded and curious, works well in collaboration with others… adapts quickly to new conditions.”

“Passionate about social and environmental sustainability.”  

“A driven hard worker who understands the importance of listening and contributing to both the personal and working environment to function as both individuals and team players. Led through experience, proven to be a perfectionist, creative, and customer-oriented individual.”  

Employers schedule for hiring 2022 Summer Students:

• Job posting: January to April
• Application Review: according to the employer’s deadline
• Interviews and Offers: determined by the employer
• Work Term Start Date: May (exact date determined by the employer)
• Work Term End Date: August (or later for 8, 12, or 16-month work terms)

Co-op work terms must be full-time, paid positions for a minimum of 10-weeks. Employers may be qualified for Manitoba Paid Work Experience Tax Credits and other hiring incentives.  

Are you ready to post an opportunity?
Send the following details to faumcoop [at] umanitoba [dot] ca

• Job title
• Job Location
• Length of Term
• Job Description
• Job Requirements/ qualifications 

The Co-operative Education / Integrated Work Program is available to students at both undergraduate and graduate levels in all disciplines: Environmental Design, Architecture, City Planning, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture.

For more information on the Faculty of Architecture Co-op Program please visit us online: https://umanitoba.ca/architecture/cooperative-education#employers

These eighteen Co-op/I work terms contributed to the rejuvenation of public programming and to the design of more inclusive, healthy and inspiring built environments. Opportunities ranged from hands-on building and gardening, to full-on city dreaming and comprehensive planning.

Students contributed to important civic and provincial initiatives, including the Downtown Recovery Strategy and the Our Winnipeg 2045 Development plan. Co-op/I students also assisted with proposals to make communities more self-sufficient and interconnected; helped create accessible and sustainable features for schools and hospitals; and collaborated on designing a variety of facilities, from daycares and playgrounds, to commercial and multi-family housing projects.

For one student, a summer Co-op placement enabled a deep dive into technical production of transformative cultural hubs, including bike labs and bus shelters. Read more about Sean Vandekerkhove’s experience working with Public City here.

In another case, two students gained immersive fast-paced design-build experience with an award-winning prefabrication company. Read more about Carmen Huang and Brooke de Rocquigny’s placement with Holz Construction here.

Building Skills, Launching Careers

While all students enrolled in Co-op in 2020-2021 did not secure work terms, everyone benefited from participating in career-development workshops, including sessions on interview skills, resumé composition and cover letter writing. The annual portfolio workshop enabled students to network with potential employers and gain instructive and inspirational feedback.

Thank you to the twenty professionals who dedicated time to this valuable mentorship opportunity. A special shout out to landscape architect Monica Giesbrecht of HTFC and architect Karen Shanski of BLDG for sharing opening words of wisdom at this event.

Cooperating with Partners near and far

Launched in 2018, the Faculty of Architecture’s Cooperative Education/Integrated Work Program option is designed to complement academic study with paid work experience, enabling students to sharpen skills, apply knowledge, broaden perspectives, and consider future career specialization. Our Co-op students have worked internationally, across Canada and in the north, helping businesses and communities prosper.

Co-op/I is open to undergraduate and graduate students in all streams of the Environmental Design program (ED3-level and higher) and Master’s programs (Architecture, City Planning, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture).

Ready to hire a Co-op student in 2022?

We welcome opportunities in government, not-for-profit and commercial sectors, and in all design and planning fields. Four, eight, twelve and sixteen-month work terms are available, typically beginning in May. Hiring incentives for employers, including Manitoba tax credits, are available. Find out more here.

Thank you to the all 2021 participating Co-op employers:

Assiniboine Park Conservancy
Ayshkum Engineering Inc.
Birchwood Automotive Group
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ
ft3 Architecture Landscape Interior Design
HTFC Planning & Design
Prairie Architects
Public City Architecture
Holz Construction
Little Bluestem Landscape Architecture + Design
Manitoba Government, Municipal Relations
Shape Industries Inc.
Think Design
Winnipeg School Division
University of Manitoba – FABLab
University of Manitoba – Partners Program
Voitec Architect Inc.