Co-op program details

Mechanical Engineering Technology - Automated Manufacturing (Co-op)

Program details

Credential: 3-Year Ontario College Advanced Diploma

This three-year program is designed to give students a broad exposure to mechanical engineering technology. Emphasis is placed on manufacturing aspects of engineering, using standard procedures, computer graphics and related computer-based analyses. Relevant aspects of manufacturing processes and materials are covered to facilitate an understanding of the integration between design and manufacturing.

Graduates of this program are prepared for employment in areas such as manufacturing support, process planning, industrial engineering, quality assurance, product installation and testing, technical sales and other production-related areas.

Student availability & wage data

Conestoga College facilitates recruitment on an ongoing basis - there are no hard deadlines. Typical time frames for work terms are listed below.

Postings are accepted beginning four months before the start of a term until all students have secured employment provided the minimum 12 consecutive weeks of full-time work is met.

Work/Study Sequence

Year Fall (Sept - Dec) Winter (Jan - Apr) Spring (May - Aug)
Year 1 Classes Classes Work Term 1: $18-23
Year 2 Classes Work Term 2: $18-23 Classes
Year 3 Work Term 3: $19-25 Classes Classes

Conestoga College collects data on hourly wages of co-operative education students and offers suggested ranges as a service to employers for the purpose of establishing fair and competitive compensation.

Our experience has been that employers increase wages as skills increase, particularly when employing students for more advanced work terms. The Co-operative Education Office can provide assistance to employers in establishing appropriate wage rates.

Work term capabilities

Specific skills and abilities that students are typically capable of performing during a given work term are listed below.

Work term 1

  • Computer literate with Windows, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Provide assistance to engineering teams on fundamental problems extracting information from manuals, interpreting drawings and standards
  • Conduct materials testing (tensile, hardness)
  • Perform static analysis
  • Prepare engineering drawings using AutoCAD and SolidWorks, applying with traditional dimensioning and geometric tolerances, intermediate modelling skill level using SolidWorks
  • Familiar with machine shop practices
  • Program in Visual Basic
  • Perform hydraulic and pneumatic circuit deisgn

Work term 2

  • Model more complex parts and assemblies using 3D CAD software (SolidWorks)
  • Perform materials testing and analysis
  • Work with Quality Assurance and Systems
  • Design jigs and fixtures
  • Program CNC machines using manual techniques and/or Mastercam 2D
  • Familiar with manufacturing processes

Work term 3

  • Tool and Die Design
  • Program CNC machines using Mastercam 3D
  • Write technical reports
  • Develop process planning sheets for manufacturing
  • Experimental design and interpretation of results
  • Control and programming of industrial robotic systems

Sample job titles


Work term 1:
  • CAD/CAM Operator
  • Engineering Assistant
  • Junior Mechanical Detailer
Work term 2:
  • Junior Manufacturing Technician
  • Materials Tester
  • Quality Assurance Assistant
Work term 3:
  • Manufacturing Technician

Post a co-op job now

Setup an account or login to Conestoga's MyCareer to post a job.

Contact information

Do you need help developing a recruitment plan or job posting, accessing wage information, or connecting with a talented co-op student? Contact:

Melissa Deneault
Employer Relations Consultant
Mdeneault@conestogac.on.ca
226-339-7953