Applied Science’s Co-op Program for Master of Engineering (MEng) in Mining Engineering students offers the opportunity to gain practical industry experience, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge, enhance technical skills, and build valuable connections while solving real-world challenges.
If you are interested in applying to co-op, please review the eligibility and application details for Master of Engineering Mining students in Vancouver below:
1. Eligibility
All MEng MINE students starting their program in September and studying full-time are eligible to participate in the Co-op Program. Please contact our office if your program start date is deferred to January 2025.
2. Admission
You will be admitted into the Co-op Program if you:
- Meet the eligibility criteria, and
- Submit a complete application by the deadline
- Agree to the Graduate Terms and Conditions of the Co-op Program
Students in this program will receive an email from the co-op office in May with instructions on how to enroll in the co-op program. Applications for admission into the co-op program occur once per year.
How Co-op Works
Co-op Program Timeline
May | - Submit application survey to Join Co-op - Attend orientation session |
June | - Apply for Co-op Work Permit - Participate in Pre-Employment Training Workshop |
September - December | - Conduct Co-op Job Search |
January | - Start Co-op Work Term |
Work Term Criteria
Co-op work terms must meet the following criteria to receive co-op course credit:
- Full-time: 35 to 40 hours per week
- Length: 12 to 16 weeks and within the academic term
- Paid: At least minimum wage
- Supervised: Supervised by an engineer, EIT, architect or other technical staff who provides regular supervision, feedback, and completes the end of term performance evaluation
- Relevant: Technical and relevant to your academic program and/or career objectives
- Location: If the position is based outside of Canada, the country where you will be working must be a low-risk destination as per Global Affairs Canada’s travel advisories.
Co-op Work Permit
International students are required to apply for a co-op work permit (in addition to holding a valid study permit) to legally work in Canada on a UBC-approved co-op work term. After you are admitted into the Co-op Program, we will provide you with a letter for your co-op work permit application that confirms co-op is a requirement for your degree.
Mandatory Pre-employment Training Workshops
All students accepted into the co-op program will participate in a series of presentations designed to introduce you to essential career resources available within the program. An orientation in May will introduce and explain the program, and a Job Search Workshop in June will include interactive job search activities, discussions, and opportunities to learn industry-specific job search strategies and tips.
Work/Study Sequence
MEng MINE students begin their work term in January, and work for 4- to 12-months, then return to academic courses to complete their degree. Students are able to complete 1 to 3 work terms (ie, 4 to 12 months of work experience) consecutively with the same employer.
Co-op Job Search Expectations
The co-op program mimics the real-world job search process. It’s competitive and a job is not guaranteed. Here’s how it works:
- Job Search: You review job descriptions on the co-op job board and apply for the positions that interest you. You are encouraged to search for positions outside the co-op job board as well. Using multiple sources and job boards for job postings will increase your chances of securing an internship position.
- Application Review: Employers review the applications and identify candidates who best match their job requirements.
- Interviews: Selected candidates are invited for interviews.
- Job Offer: After the interview, the employer decides which candidate to hire (if any) and extends an offer of employment to the successful candidate.
- Decision: The successful candidate must decide whether to accept or decline the offer within 2 business days.
Most jobs are open to international co-op students; however, some positions, particularly those with the federal government, may be restricted to Canadian citizens only due to security clearance or funding requirements.
Co-op Program Fees
There are two types of fees associated with participation in the co-op program:
- Co-op administration and workshop fee - The co-op administration and workshop fee is a one-time, non-refundable payment of $277.25 that is paid upon entry into the co-op program and prior to the Job Search Workshop. Payment is made directly to the UBC Applied Science Co-op Office. Instructions on how to pay this fee will be provided by the Co-op Office.
- Co-op course fee – The co-op course fee is $854.75 which is assessed only once you have secured a work term and are registered in the co-op course by the Co-op Office. The co-op fee is required for every four-month work term (ex. if you secure an 8-month work term, you will be charged the co-op fee twice over this time). The fee is due by the due dates specified in the Academic Calendar, whether the co-op position is secured through the Co-op Program or through your own self-directed job search. The co-op course fee is paid directly via Workday like any other tuition fee payment. While on a co-op work term, your MEng MINE program installment payment will be adjusted so that you are only required to pay the Co-op course fee and your regular UBC student fees (ex. Athletics and Recreation Fee, Students’ Union Membership, Health & Dental, etc.).
Co-op Wages
All co-op work terms positions must be paid and meet the minimum wage requirements for the jurisdiction where the position is based. In British Columbia, the minimum wage is $17.40 (as of June 1, 2024). Unpaid work or work not meeting minimum wage requirements will not be eligible for a co-op work term.
Most co-op students earn more than the British Columbia or other provincial/territorial minimum wage. Please refer to our salary page for details on the typical salaries co-op students earn while on a work term.
Support and Resources
Upon successfully completing the pre-employment training workshops, you will receive a resume and cover letter review and can book mock interview appointments when you receive an interview request. You will have access to the Co-op Program’s exclusive co-op job portal with hundreds of internship opportunities to apply for and the resources provided by the Co-op team. Additionally, you are encouraged to attend weekly one-hour job search clinics led by a Co-op Career & Industry Partner, who can answer any questions you may have about your job search and provide guidance on job search strategies.
Co-op Course Requirements
During your work term, you will be registered in a co-op work term course and are required to:
- Work Full Time: Fulfil the terms of your employment contract and learn as much as you can.
- Act Professionally: Respect the policies, procedures, confidentiality and proprietary information of your employer.
- Establish Learning Objectives: Identify the skills, knowledge and insights you want to gain during the work term and strive to achieve them.
- Stay in Contact: Participate in a work term check-in midway through your work term with a Co-op Career Advisor and keep in touch with the Co-op Program for guidance and support.
- Complete Assignment: Finish your co-op assignment and submit it to the co-op work term Canvas course for grading.
- Reflect on Experience: Reflect on the skills and knowledge you have developed during the work term and how they relate to your academic program and career goals. Complete the student evaluation of the work term. Review your supervisor’s assessment of your performance and areas of improvement identified in the employer evaluation of the work term.
- Adhere to Terms and Conditions: Abide by the Graduate Terms and Conditions of the Co-op Program while you are in the program.
Employers
Our employer partners play a pivotal role in shaping your career journey by providing hands-on, real-world experience. You'll have the opportunity to work with leading organizations across various industries, where employers offer invaluable mentorship, industry insights, and practical skills that complement your academic studies. These positions are designed to challenge you, enhance your professional growth, and help you build a robust network within your field. Our employer partners are committed to supporting your development, ensuring that your co-op experience is both impactful and enriching as you prepare for your future career.
Top Employers
- Canadian Natural Resources
- Mount Polley Mining Corporation
- Rio Tinto
- Taseko Mines
- Conuma Coal Resources
- New Gold
- Suncor Energy
- Teck Resources