FAUM Co-op Program celebrates another successful year with strong alumni and employer support

Thanks to the support of alumni, regional professionals, and employers across Canada, the Faculty of Architecture’s Co-op program had yet another successful year! Twenty-nine students from the Faculty of Architecture secured work terms in summer 2024 – including positions in Winnipeg; Steinbach; Toronto, ON; Victoria, BC and Vernon, BC. These hands-on learning experiences enhanced professional skills and knowledge, supported career growth, and introduced young designers to inspiring and impactful work.

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

Communications Office, Faculty of Architecture