Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources

Co-operative Education Program

The goal of the Co-operative Education Program is for students to gain valuable skills by combining university education and employment training.

Career services co op internships environment.

  • Overview

    The Clayton H. Riddell of Environment, Earth, and Resources Cooperative Education Option is a four year undergraduate program with mandatory courses and work terms in addition to regular studies. Co-op students are renowned for their high academic standards and a strong work ethic. Technical knowledge, professional development, and maturity are only a few of the skills that students acquire from their participation in the program. 

    The Clayton H. Riddell of Environment, Earth, and Resources operates a Cooperative Education program, which is designed to provide bright and motivated students with an opportunity to gain practical experience. The program has been connecting students and employers since its inception in 1994.

    The Faculty is renowned for its areas of specialization:

    • Atmosphere and Hydrological Sciences
    • Conservation and Biodiversity
    • Environmental Assessment
    • Environmental Health
    • Indigenous Studies
    • Land Systems
    • Natural Resource Management 
    • Policy and Law
    • Stewardship
    • Sustainable Building
    • Toxicology
    • Water Resources
    • Wildlife Management

    Our linkages extend nationally to the Churchill Northern Study Centre, Freshwater Institute, Environment Climate and Change Canada, University of the Arctic, and Manitoba Hydro, among many others. The Faculty strives to enhance opportunities for aboriginal students through our program linkages to Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources. This complimented through numerous courses examine cultural diversity and traditional land knowledge. 

    How our co-op program works

    Our Co-operative Education program will give you a deeper educational experience and real-life work experience, with the benefit of establishing network connections. Co-op allows students to complement their academic studies by alternating with hands-on experiences in a Co-op work placement relevant to their area of study. Co-op students receive a Co-op degree designation upon graduation.

    Ways to get involved

    Our Co-op program works closely with Manitoba Environmental Industries Association (MEIA) every year, to help establish connections and networking between our students and employers/industry. MEIA hosts events such as Recruitment nights to become part of their Student Chapter Membership, Discovery Nights, Speed Mentoring to name a few. As well MEIA hosts conferences (Emerging Issues) at a reduced cost to Student Chapter Members each year. MEIA offers The Deb Tardiff Memorial scholarship to students that are active in the student chapter. 

    Additional opportunities to get involved with industry are with:

    • The Wildlife Society (TWS) - Manitoba Chapter 
    • Nature Manitoba
    • Nature Conservancy Canada (NCC) - Manitoba Chapter
    • Ducks Unlimited
    • Canadian Water Resource Association - Student and Young Professionals
    • Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society
    • Sustainable Buildings MB
    • Environmental Careers Organization
    • Fort Whyte Alive

    Clubs of interest to join:

    • The Weather Club
    • Society of Earth Science and Environmental Students (SESES)
    • Environment and Geography Students' Association (EGSA)
    • Student Chapter, MEIA
    • MB Chapter of the Wildlife Society
    • Ducks Unlimited Wetlanders
       

Benefits of co-op

  • Acquire valuable resume and interview skills and experience
  • Gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience practical while developing professional skills
  • Co-op assists students in their professional development by enhancing network opportunities, participation in conferences and workshops and provides the foundation of skills and strategies required in searching and acquiring employment after graduation with employers
  • This experience assists them in selecting areas of concentration for their senior courses in their chosen Focus Area or Stream
  • You learn more about your chosen potential career and determine if it’s what you want to do
  • Getting paid for your work as a co-op student can also defray some of the costs of university education

Co-op eligibility requirements

Students who meet the following criteria are invited to apply to co-op:

  • Enrolled in one of the following major or honours degree programs in the Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources:
    • Bachelor of Environmental Science
    • Bachelor of Environmental Studies
    • Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography
  • Have completed a minimum of 60 credits hours of course work and are in good standing
  • MUST have a minimum GPA of 2.50 or higher (must be maintained throughout the program)
  • Is eligible to work in Canada (International students must with a valid study permit must apply for a co-op work permit visit the International Centre for details)

International Students

International students that meet the eligibility requirements and are accepted in the Co-op program must have a valid study permit in order to apply for a Co-op work permit. welcome to apply for Co-op. 

For more information on the Co-op work permit application please contact the International Centre for assistance on how to proceed. Please noter there is no fee for Work Permit applications within internship or co-op programs.  I

A copy of the Work Authorization Permit must be submitted to the Co-op Office prior to the commencement of the work term.

Please be advised that there may be a limitation on job opportunities for International students due to employers have access to funding that require students to be Canadian citizens or where an employer requires a security clearance such as with the Federal government.

 

How to get started

  • First step is to register in ENVR 2900 for both Fall/Winter terms
  • While in ENVR 2900 you will be asked to submit your application for approval when prompted to apply in November.
  • Final step once your application is approved is to register for the Co-op portal in Orbis (UM Connect).

Next steps

Once your application is approved and while still completing ENVR 2900 you can begin the job search and job application submission process. You are not considered to be in the Co-op program until you have secured your first Co-op Work term and registered in ENVR 3980.

Program fees

  • Students electing to participate in the Cooperative Education Option will be assessed a program fee with their registration into the program (ENVR 3980).

Contact us coop

Riddell Faculty COOP 
Riddell Faculty Dean's office, 440 Wallace building
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V6 Canada

Leslie.Goodman@umanitoba.ca
Jodena.Baertsoen@umanitoba.ca
2044746225