The ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s Faculty of Engineering is launching a program in partnership with the Royal Canadian Navy that will allow students to complete co-op placements onboard a navy warship.
Engineering students would first need to train and qualify as marine technicians, after which they would spend placements of either four or eight months on the East or West Coast helping to maintain a vessel’s electrical and mechanical systems.
“Whether it is to pursue a career in the navy or armed forces — or to just get valuable experience — the university is here to facilitate that,” says Amir Khan, employment relations manager for the engineering faculty.
Candidates will complete their basic training and 14-week marine systems technician occupational training at naval fleet schools in Esquimalt, B.C., or in Halifax, N.S. — ideally right after high school. Reservists also have the opportunity to access part-time employment with the local naval division throughout the school year, and are eligible for up to $8,000 in tuition assistance, $2,000 per year.
“The timing of the co-op placements is highly flexible to meet students’ needs,” says navy outreach officer Lieutenant (Navy) Nathaniel Lipinski.
“We can break it up however the student wants,” he says. “It could be four months here, eight months there. Once they join a ship, it can be as long as they want.”
Although students in electrical and mechanical engineering are the best fit for the program, it’s open to all engineering students, says Khan. In their co-op placements, they will be responsible for the management and routine operation of equipment and systems onboard Canadian warships, working alongside engineers, technicians, civilian contractors and other specialists.
Khan says it’s an excellent way to get hands-on, real-world experience solving problems with teams of professionals.
“It’s an ideal way to get the proverbial foot in the door of that working environment. I would say the navy is more like getting your whole leg in.
“You’ll be in situations where, if something is malfunctioning, you don’t have time to contact the manufacturer for warranty service. You have to troubleshoot.”
The idea for the partnership was hatched when of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering conducted research for the using sensors to monitor the condition of soldiers on the battlefield. He began looking for ways to give engineering students experience in the military.
“It’s not uncommon for students who do placements with the navy to become engineering officers in the fleet,” says Khan. But the training also prepares students for civilian careers with defence contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Bombardier and General Dynamics, or for positions in the aerospace industry.
Prospective employers understand the discipline and the rigour required in such a position, says Khan, “so they place a little bit more value than you would in a typical retail or customer service position.”
“A program like this will do wonders for an engineering student,” says Lieutenant (Navy) Kevin Moffat, an engineer and public affairs officer with the Canadian Armed Forces.
“The skills are highly transferable, and the navy allows a lot of time for personal adventure and to explore the world.”