PEY Co-op Overview

What is PEY Co-op?

Career preparation for tomorrow's engineering leaders

U of T Engineering students can choose to graduate with:

  • up to 20 months of meaningful work experience
    • including the opportunity to see projects through from start to finish
  • the financial rewards of a competitive salary
  • an extensive network
  • an academic transcript demonstrating significant work experience when they search for employment post-graduation
  • professional skills they’ll leverage for years to come.

 

That’s what the Engineering Career Centre delivers through the Professional Experience Year (PEY) Co-op Program. It's Canada’s largest and longest-running professional experience year engineering co-op program, with a proven track record going back more than 40 years.

Participation in the PEY Co-op program automatically fulfills the practical experience requirement for your studies. As well, 12 months of work can count towards the practical requirements to become a licensed engineer within Ontario (through Professional Engineers Ontario).

Created in collaboration with industry partners and engineering leadership experts, the program is designed to help you build your professional profile and prepare you for long-term career success.

PEY Co-op Overview

Graphic showing PEY Co-op five-year journey

Hosted by the Engineering Career Centre, the Professional Experience Year Co-op Program (PEY Co-op) prepares students for the professional world starting in their first year of studies. The program supports students through a process of personal and career development, guiding them toward work opportunities that align with their individual career goals.

The PEY Co-op Program offers two work term opportunities:

  • A Summer Co-op Work Term of three to four months after Year 2.
  • A 12–16 Month Work Term following Year 3.

DURING YEAR 1

Introduction to PEY Co-op

In the first year, the program is designed to help students:

  • Get oriented to the PEY Co-op Program and start connecting with the community.
  • Start thinking about their career goals and objectives for PEY Co-op.
  • Discover professional development opportunities, including those offered by U of T, the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, and student organizations.
  • Explore career and industry options.
Engineering students at work

DURING YEAR 2

Preparatory Program

The Preparatory Program consists of four modules spread over the fall and winter terms:

  • Module 1: Prepare for Recruitment
  • Module 2: Customize Your Applications
  • Module 3: Transition to the Workplace
  • Module 4: Get Work Term Support

These required modules include comprehensive learning materials and assignments designed to equip you with the essential information and skills you need to excel in the recruitment process and succeed during your work term(s). In addition, you'll gain access to a wealth of resources, service providers, and exclusive events and workshops to support you, ensuring you're well-prepared and confident.

Recruitment Cycle for Summer Work Term

Students interested in securing a Summer Co-op Work Term are expected to actively engage in the recruitment cycle. This includes attending employer information sessions in the fall and winter and proactively searching for and applying to jobs through the U of T Co-op Portal.

SUMMER FOLLOWING YEAR 2

Summer Co-op Work Term

To satisfy the requirements of the PEY Co-op Program, students must obtain a minimum of 12 consecutive months with a single employer through the 12–16 Month Work Term after Year 3.

The Summer Co-op Work Term, a three-to-four-month opportunity from May to August after Year 2, offers students an additional opportunity to gain real-world experience, build their professional networks, and engage with high-profile companies.

amd-banner--small

DURING YEAR 3

Recruitment Cycle for 12–16 Month Work Term

Once students have completed the Preparatory Program, they are eligible to participate in the recruitment cycle for the 12–16 month work term. This includes attending employer information sessions in the fall and winter and proactively searching for and applying to jobs through the U of T Co-op Portal.

FOLLOWING YEAR 3

12–16 Month Work Term

Also known as the Professional Experience Year (PEY) work term, this opportunity provides students with 12–16 months of full-time work experience, enabling students to work on meaningful projects, build their professional skills, and establish a solid reputation with an employer. With over 700 companies and at least 1500 paid positions posted annually, there is usually at least one position available per student. Generally, about 10% of students work outside of Canada. The work term starts between May and September and runs until May to August of the following year.

DURING YEAR 4

Return to School

Students return to school full-time and complete their degrees, enriched by the insights and experience gained from their work term(s).

They may choose to continue their involvement with the program by mentoring newer students as Peer Coaches.

Additional Activities throughout the Program

Employer information sessions and other events organized by the ECC are a great way for students to become familiar with companies in the industry.

Career development events and workshops cover various topics, including:

  • Resume and cover letter workshops
  • Mock interview events
  • Networking sessions with industry professionals
  • PEY Co-op student panels

The University of Toronto community also organizes career fairs and conferences, offering additional opportunities for students to engage with potential employers and enhance their professional network.

Benefits of PEY Co-op

  • It’s more than a foot in the door

    You'll work full time for an employer of your choosing for 12 to 16 consecutive months after third year. You’ll apply your education to industry challenges while making meaningful professional contributions. Through PEY Co-op, you can focus on career development without needing to switch between work and school each semester. 

  • It's paid

    PEY Co-op students earn an average of approximately $50,000 annually, with top salaries reaching $90,000 in 12 months. You'll also position yourself perfectly to negotiate a post-graduation starting salary that is 15% higher than those without the same quality of experience. 

  • It offers an additional opportunity

    In order to satisfy PEY Co-op requirements, students must obtain a minimum of 12 months’ consecutive work experience with one single employer. An additional opportunity for PEY Co-op participants is a summer co-op work term lasting from three to four months. Students who complete both work terms can earn up to 20 months' paid work experience before graduation.

  • It fits seamlessly into your journey

    PEY Co-op has proven to be an invaluable part of the student success journey. After working for 12 to 16 months, you’ll return to school with new insight into your career path. You will bring an enhanced perspective back to the classroom and explore your interests having had a robust marketplace experience. The 12-16 month work term allows the employer to involve the student in higher level work which often translates into higher salaries and enhanced work opportunities post-graduation. 

  • Top employers come to you

    PEY Co-op companies represent every sector and include major global brands such as AppleTeslaProctor & Gamble and IBM. Some employers only hire PEY Co-op students because it’s their best return on investment. PEY Co-op is also an excellent way for employers to preview and recruit future talent.

  • Choose from opportunities around the world

    In 2023-2024, 1157 PEY Co-op students had access to 700 employers and 3000 jobs. PEY Co-op employers range from local startups to large international companies across every sector. In an average year, one in 10 participants works outside Canada. You will apply and interview for the positions you’re most interested in, and accept the job offer that best aligns with your goals.  

  • Graduate a step closer to being a professional engineer

    You can apply 12 months of PEY Co-op experience toward acquiring your  P.Eng. designation from Professional Engineers Ontario.  

  • Gain professional confidence before starting your job

    We will work with you to ensure your resume and interview prep showcase your strengths before you begin applying for PEY Co-op positions. Career counselling and professional skills development are all important parts of the process. Workshops and guidance on everything from networking to negotiating salary will serve you as you apply for PEY Co-op positions and well beyond graduation. 

Don't just take our word for it: read what students like you have to say!

The ECC also offers events during the year where you can hear from participants and former participants about their experiences.

Students Summarize Their Experiences