Career preparation for tomorrow's engineering leaders
The Professional Experience Year (PEY) Co-op Program is 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 and 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 with work opportunities that align with your individual career goals.
U of T Engineering students can graduate with:
- up to 20 months of meaningful work experience
- A summer co-op work term of 3–4 months after Year 2
- A co-op work term of 12–16 months after Year 3
- the financial rewards of a competitive salary
- an extensive network
- professional skills they’ll leverage for years to come.
PEY Co-op timeline
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.
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 by attending employer information sessions in the fall and winter, proactively searching for and applying to jobs through the U of T Co-op Portal.
SUMMER FOLLOWING YEAR 2
Summer Co-op Work Term
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.
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. 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.
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