Take your education beyond the classroom!

No matter which program you pick, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios. Many programs also include a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement that will give you practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Cambrian’s programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – a dream career!

Co-Operative Education

Integrates on-the-job work experience with on-campus study. It allows you to obtain professional experience in your specific field of study. This is done by alternating periods of on-campus study with work experience in business, industry, and/or government. Co-ops help to bridge the gap between the classroom and work environments. Typically the student alternates periods of experience where they engage in productive work (not just observation) and they receive payment for their work. The work terms are evaluated by both the college and the employer in order to promote maximum learning on the part of the student.

Fieldwork/Placement

In many programs, students have the opportunity to gain practical work experience through a fieldwork or placement component. These are unpaid placements and vary in length from program to program. It is intended to give the student hands-on experience in the workplace without payment. The activities are an integral component of the curriculum and college staff do not directly supervise the student.

A clinical placement occurs in a group environment at an agency with a Clinical Instructor paid by the college. The student does not receive payment.

Capstone Project

A culminating project/course where the student demonstrates that he/she has mastered the learning outcomes for the program.

Preceptorship

Each student is assigned an agency-paid Preceptor for one-on-one learning. The learning occurs at the agency site and the student is not remunerated.

Learn what this means for you!

For the students, this means:

• Practical, relevant work experience prior to graduation – a significant asset in today’s competitive job market
• A better understanding of classroom theory and its applications to the working environment
• Increased self-confidence and maturity
• Opportunities to gain practical communication and decision-making skills
• Access to the most up-to-date facilities
• First-hand experience with current policies, procedures, and technologies
• Increased awareness of potential career paths
• Enhanced employment opportunities and valuable job contacts

Note: International students enrolling in programs featuring mandatory co-ops or field placements must obtain a co-op work permit from Immigration Canada for the duration of their program prior to registration.

If your program requires a mandatory co-op or field placement but you are not issued a co-op work permit approval or a co-op work permit along with your study permit at the Canadian border, you can still apply for a co-op work permit from Canada. We encourage you to contact internationaladvising@cambriancollege.ca as soon as you arrive on campus to start your co-op work permit application.