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Algonquin College marked a proud moment on March 10, 2026, as the Coop & Career Centre hosted the 2025 Cooperative Education Awards of Excellence. Students, employer partners, and colleagues from Experiential Learning and Entrepreneurship came together to recognize the impact of hands-on learning across our community.

There were over 170 nominations for students and employers who took part in co op work terms in 2025.

Leaders highlighted the essential role Coop and eCo-op programs play in preparing students for meaningful careers while supporting employers with emerging talent and fresh perspectives. Six students were honoured for exceptional performance during their co-op work terms, and employer partners were celebrated for their continued commitment to high-quality Work Integrated Learning, mentorship, and student skill development.

The event also featured the Venture of the Year Award, recognizing an eCo-op student whose creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial drive exemplify the spirit of Algonquin College learners.

Mary Grammatikakis, Director of Experiential Learning at Algonquin College, emphasized the importance of “celebrating the impact of Co-operative Education—a form of experiential learning that provides students with valuable work experience while allowing employers to benefit from fresh perspectives and new talent.”

Honouring Co-op and eCo-op Student Achievements

Seven awards were granted to Co-op and eCo-op students who excelled during their work terms, demonstrating the transformative power of hands-on experience.

Thandiwe Ncube, Manager of Student Talent Development at Algonquin College, spoke about the competitive advantage Co-op gives to our learners. “Each of our recipients today has gone above and beyond in their roles, making meaningful contributions to their teams and workplaces. Their achievements are a testament to the value of co-operative education and the impact it has on both students and employers.”

Matthew Jerabek, Associate Manager, Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Algonquin College, spoke about… “Entrepreneurship, being an important pillar of experiential learning, and the award highlights the talent and creativity of students who take the bold step of turning their ideas into reality.”

Recognizing Outstanding Employers

In addition to celebrating student achievements, the event also honoured six industry partners who provided exceptional Work-Integrated Learning opportunities that significantly impacted our learners’ professional journey.

Lisa Benoit, Manager of External Engagement and Partnerships, also highlighted the strategic value of hiring Co-op students for organizations. “At Algonquin College, we are fortunate to collaborate with dedicated employer partners who provide students with meaningful work experience. These employers take the time to mentor, guide, and support students as they develop valuable skills in their respective fields.”

Congratulations to all of the 2025 Recipients!

Cooperative Education Student Achievement Award:

• Gabriel Al-Rahi – Computer Programming
• Amira Nasser – Interactive Media Design
• Tavish Taylor – Bachelor of Digital Marketing Communication (Honours)
• Matthew Miceli – Computer Programming and Analysis
• Nicole Dacyshyn – Bachelor of Interior Design
• James O’Brien – Computer Systems Technician – Networking

Outstanding Contribution to Algonquin College Cooperative Education Employer Award:

• Éric Sigouin – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
• Caitlin Kealey – Emdash
• Trevor Lehouillier – Transport Canada
• Verlyn Nischuk – BlackBerry QNX
• Annabelle Faia & Zachary Smith – Arkalumen
• Jennifer Farrell – BluMetric

eCo-op Venture of the Year Award:

• Bingchen Jing – Computer Engineering Technology – Computing Science

The success of Cooperative Education at Algonquin College is only possible thanks to the support of our Co-op and Career team, industry partners, and faculty. Congratulations to all the award recipients, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports our students throughout their Co-op journeys.

The Co-op and Career Centre were pleased to host Talent Talks: Ciena on Feb. 19, welcoming 75 students from targeted technical programs together with leaders from one of the world’s foremost optical networking and technology companies. Held on the first floor within the School of Advanced Technology, for an afternoon of learning and industry connection. The session supported students preparing to pursue Fall 2026 Co-op.

Ciena’s presentation was delivered by Sean Keppy, Senior Manager of Systems Design Architecture Engineering, Emily Aubin, Senior Manager of Early in Career Programs and Payton Ward, representing the Intern, Talent Acquisition, Early in Career Programs. Students gained valuable insight into Ciena’s organizational culture, the types of Co-op roles available and the application process and timelines.

Following the presentation, there was an engaging Q&A and networking session. Students explored career pathways in network engineering, systems design and emerging technologies directly with industry professionals.

The Co-op and Career Centre extend its thanks to Ciena for supporting our learners and to the faculty who encouraged students to participate. We look forward to continuing to foster opportunities that strengthen industry partnerships and aid students in building meaningful, real-world experience.

The Co-op and Career Centre successfully hosted the IBM Z Connect Event on Nov. 20. The session introduced students to IBM Z — the branch of IBM that develops mainframe computers powering millions of secure transactions every day, from bank withdrawals to airline bookings.

The event brought together students from 13 programs, such as Artificial Intelligence Software Development, Bachelor of Technology (Business Systems Development) and Cloud Development and Operations, alongside IBM representatives, to explore career pathways in mainframe technology. Students had the opportunity to learn about IBM Z’s critical role in global industries, discover how companies rely on mainframes for efficiency and security, and gain insights into building industry-relevant skills through IBM Z Xplore courses.

The Co-op and Career Centre would like to thank IBM, the faculty and all participating students for making the event a success. We look forward to continuing to support students in building meaningful industry connections and preparing for careers in emerging technologies.

On Nov. 26, the Co‑op & Career Centre, in collaboration with the Security Centre of Excellence (SCoE), hosted an exclusive information session for students in public safety and technology programs. The event highlighted career opportunities in Canada’s federal security. It featured a moderated panel discussion exploring pathways in cybersecurity, public safety and personnel security, while offering a perspective on the evolving needs of the federal workforce.

The panel brought together leaders from across government:

• Marc Decary, Deputy Director, Technical and Digital Learning Centre, Global Affairs Canada, emphasized immersive training to build mission‑ready digital skills.
• Yasmine Touijer, Human Resources Advisor, Public Service Commission, outlined modern recruitment practices designed to connect talent nationwide.
• Eric Blanke, Intake Manager, Personnel Security Screening Office (PSSO), Directorate of the Personnel Security and Identity Management (DPSIM), Director General Defence Security (DGDS), Department of National Defence, shared insights on personnel security, identity management, and the importance of attention to detail.
• Nathalie El-Haddad, Acting Team Lead, Personnel Security Screening Office (PSSO), Directorate of the Personnel Security and Identity Management (DPSIM), Director General Defence Security (DGDS), Department of National Defence, shared her experience from transitioning from an entry-level role into a full-time continuous position.
• Robert Provencher, Manager & Senior Advisor, Capacity Building, Security Centre of Excellence, moderated the discussion and underscored the role of community development and readiness.

Students left with clear takeaways: Federal security careers are diverse, recruitment practices are evolving, and capacity building across departments is essential to resilience. Above all, the session reinforced that security work in Canada is mission-driven, focused not only on protecting assets but on building trust, fostering innovation and serving the public good.