Graduates giving back
June 21, 2011
James Puritch, VP Research and Development at Reliable Controls in Victoria, can identify with being a co-op student and wanting to get the best hands-on experience possible. A graduate of Camosun College and the University of Victoria, Puritch understands the value of co-op education. He was fortunate to have that co-op experience at Reliable Controls as their first ever co-op student. He did three work terms there and never left!
Camosun students and employers.
Students' perspective
Sukhpal Parmar and Coleton Denninger, second year students in Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology – Renewable Energy both recently completed a co-operative education work term at Reliable Controls. For Parmar, this was his second work term at Reliable and he speaks highly of the experience. "I love working at Reliable. It is such a helpful, teaching environment – I think I have learned as much on my co-op work terms as I have in the classroom," says Parmar, who was working as a hardware technologist, constructing circuitry, testing and trouble shooting. Denninger, who was working as a quality assurance tester, heartily agrees and says, "Reliable provides a great learning experience, which expands so much on academic knowledge."
Benefits to both
Puritch has been supervising co-op students for more than ten years now and finds it a very positive experience. "When you hire co-op students you know that the academic background and ability is there. The students are very motivated," says Puritch. Roland Laird, President, says that hiring co-op students is a core part of recruitment. "Co-op students are quick learners, adapt well, and perform useful functions." He understands that students are there to learn and gain working knowledge, and as there are many appropriate tasks to be done at Reliable, students can gain a wide variety of hands-on experience.
A win-win situation for all
Reliable Controls is in growth mode, constantly expanding and needing additional employees. "We like to be able to rehire our co-op students for a second work term," says Puritch. Co-op students like Parmar are only too happy to return for a second work term, and he thoroughly recommends a work term at Reliable Controls to future co-op students. These positive co-op experiences resulted in Reliable Controls being nominated for, and subsequently awarded, the Technologies Co-op Employer of the Year award at Camosun.
More information on Co-operative Education and Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology – Renewable Energy.
Comments: 2. Page 1 of 1.
Caiya says:
05-Aug-2011 7:23pm
And I was just wodnernig about that too!
Betsey says:
07-Aug-2011 10:39am
THX that's a great anwser!