National Co-op and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Month in March was celebrated at Conestoga by announcing this year’s recipients of the co-op student awards, nominated by their employers.
Conestoga celebrated National Co-op and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Month in March by announcing this year’s recipients of the co-op student awards, nominated by their employers..
Six co-op students were recognized with a 2024 Co-operative Education Student of the Year Award, and three placement students were awarded a 2024 Work-Integrated Learning Student of the Year Award.
Conestoga President John Tibbits congratulated the award recipients in a video while highlighting the value of these placements for students to gain real-world experience that prepares them with the skills needed to begin their careers.
“From co-op work terms to field placements and practicums, WIL experiences provide students with invaluable opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world challenges. These hands-on learning experiences enable students to acquire valuable skills that support their successful transition to the workplace,” Tibbits said.
Practical learning is integral to Conestoga, which offers more than 85 co-op programs in various disciplines and credentials, from certificates and degrees to diplomas.
Conestoga's co-op education was named among Canada's best in 2025 by CourseCompare, ranking third out of 20 colleges and universities on the list. The college also ranked third in 2024 as well.
The contribution of community partners in the success of Conestoga students was also highlighted, and Tibbits thanked them for their unwavering support.
“Together we are shaping the future talent of our workforce and making a positive impact in our communities.”
More than 2,000 organizations hosted student placement opportunities in 2024 and more than 12,000 students participated to contribute more than 5,000 hours in one term alone.
“The impact on our economy and community is far-reaching,” Tibbits said. “Conestoga students are making an enormous difference.”
Recipients of the Co-op Student of the Year Awards for 2024:
School of Applied Computer Science & Information Technology: Nakul Upasani from the Computer Programming and Analysis program employed at PAMT Consulting.
School of Business: Connor Arnold from the Bachelor of Business Administration - International Business Management program nominated by employer Prica Global Enterprise Inc.
In Community, Creative, Health and Interdisciplinary category: Teghan Keating from the Bachelor of Design program spent her work term with Carlsberg Canada.
School of Engineering & Technology: Helana Hope from the Welding Engineering Technology - Inspection program worked with ESAB Welding & Cutting Products.
School of Hospitality: Subashiny Kanthamoorthy from the Culinary Management program worked as a special events chef with the Elora Mill and Spa.
School of Trades & Apprenticeship: Emma Taylor from the Powerline Technician program worked with Niagara Peninsula Energy.
Recipients of the Work-Integrated Learning Student of the Year Awards for 2024:
School of Health & Life Sciences: Mohammad Shafiq Baloch in the Respiratory Therapy program completed two placements at Grand River Hospital as an extern and for a clinical rotation.
School of Community Services, child development and education studies: Ebikeseye Alexander in the Educational Support program completed three placements with the Waterloo Catholic District School Board as an educational assistant.
School of Community Services: Keerthana Ratnarajah is a Bachelor of Early Learning Program Development student who was placed at the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care.
These awards recognize the initiative, hard work and impact of Conestoga students in the workplace, Tibbits said. “To all our award winners, your hard work and dedication and achievements are truly inspiring. You’ve set a high standard for your peers and are a great representation of Conestoga talent.”
Placements and co-operative education with employers and a multitude of organizations integrate academic studies with program-related experience in the workplace, resulting in better-trained workers who are familiar with professional expectations and have the skills to contribute to an organization right from the start. Conestoga's degree programs, plus dozens of diploma programs and graduate certificates, offer a co-op component.
Employers can learn about the opportunities to hire Conestoga talent at www.conestogac.on.ca/employers.