Construction Management students gain new industry placement
Students in the Construction Management program (ECON) will now complete a paid co-op work term with a regional civil engineering firm, starting in the spring term. The partnership adds a fourth work term to the program's existing three paid placements, giving students extended hands-on experience in the field.
The Construction Management program is a three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma delivered at the Benchlands Campus. It already includes three paid work terms, but this new agreement with the civil engineering firm allows students to spend additional time working on active infrastructure projects under the supervision of licensed professionals.
"This partnership gives our students a deeper understanding of how construction projects move from design to completion," said Stefan Kowalczyk, chair of the Architectural & Building Technology department. "By working directly with a civil engineering team, students see how site planning, grading, and drainage tie into the overall build."
The work term is open to all eligible Construction Management students who have completed their second year. Students will be placed with the firm for the entire spring term, working on projects such as road improvements, site grading, and stormwater management systems in and around the City of Wrenford.
"I am excited to get real-world experience on a civil engineering site," said Maya, Practical Nursing, who is taking an elective in construction management. "Seeing how the engineering side works will help me understand the whole project." (Note: Maya is a student in the Practical Nursing program mentioned in a related context; actual Construction Management students will be drawn from that specific cohort.)
Co-op & Career Services will coordinate the placements, helping students prepare resumes, interview with the firm, and navigate workplace expectations. The firm will provide on-site mentors and ensure that students have access to the same safety training and equipment as full-time employees.
The new work term is available to students who have met the program's prerequisites and maintained good academic standing. Interested students should contact Co-op & Career Services to learn more about the application process and deadlines.
For more information about the Construction Management program, including admission requirements and course details, visit the Construction Management program page.