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Secondary Co-op Opportunities

Engineering Services (Sydenham)

Department Overview

The Engineering department has 15 licensed, skilled trades. These include architectural (painters and carpenters) and electrical/mechanical (machinists, electricians, plumbers, building operators) trades.

This department is responsible for facilities management and for the maintenance of the majority of equipment in the Alliance. Diagnostic items are maintained through this department, by a contracted biomedical engineering service.

There is approximately 400,000 square feet of building space (over the 2 sites and other properties) to maintain. This includes the supply of services, such as heating and cooling (HVAC), electrical power, and domestic water.

Major equipment includes steam and hot water boilers, diesel standby electrical generators, Freon centrifugal and steam absorption chillers, and extensive fire control systems.

Engineering Services also provides construction and renovation services, including the total relocation/ redesign of departments, wall construction, plumbing and electrical distribution. 

Co-op Student Task Assignments

The intent is to place the student with mechanical and electrical tradesmen, on a rotating basis, to provide him/her with a broad range of learning and experiences. The student will be scheduled to work, under the guidance and supervision of the trade, for approximately two weeks at a time. Students, judged and demonstrated capable and competent, will have the opportunity to work on, and assume responsibility for small-scale tasks on their own merit. The spectrum of tasks would include, but not be limited to:

• HVAC maintenance- (filter replacement, piping changes and installations, monitoring and operating conditions)
• Electrical repairs- (lighting replacement, rewiring of areas, repair to electrical equipment, motor maintenance)
• Project work- (assisting architectural trades with renovations of areas including wall fabrication and demolition)

• General mechanical- (welding, bed and rolling stock repair and maintenance, plumbing repairs) 

Student Attributes (Engineering)

1. Desire to pursue a career in Engineering or a Skilled Trade
2. Mechanical aptitude… preferably enrolled in "shop" courses related to the specified trades at CKHA
3. Willingness to listen carefully and take direction
4. Good communication skills, including ability to read drawings, document work performed/assisted, computer basic skills
5. Willingness and capability to wear and use personal protection equipment (ALL students MUST wear safety shoes- steel toe is required)
6. Capable of performing physical labour (limited but necessary)
7. Related work experience would be beneficial (after school job, farm, family business)