Public Service (Optional Co-op)
Program details
Credential: 1-Year Ontario College Graduate CertificateThis one-year graduate certificate program has been designed to meet the
demand for the skills specific to working in the public service.
The program covers the inner workings of the non-profit sector and government at the municipal, provincial and federal levels with a particular focus on understanding ethics, policy, organizational structures, culture, and public leadership and management. Issues relating to conflict of interest, development of public policy, and the foundation of public accountability are addressed in detail. During the course of study students apply their knowledge to solve a major policy issue, conduct a SWOC analysis, prepare a briefing note report and delivering a presentation, and a final capstone project.
Graduates of this program have developed skills in critical thinking, analytical communications, leadership, organizational development, and planning in the context of working within the public sector and are prepared for service at the national, provincial, and municipal level.
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: $17.20-25 |
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
- Create and evaluate strategic plans including mission, vision and values statements as they apply to the mandate of an organization within the public sector
- Examine public policies and governance structures
- Develop and analyze policy and procedures
- Research legislation and regulations to guide decision-making processes and actions
- Understand the historical, social and cultural implications of the public service workplace including unionized and multicultural environments
- Apply systems theory models to solve organizational challenges
- Create social awareness and cultural campaigns
- Assist with managing cross-functional projects
- Advanced oral and written communications and interpersonal skills, including communications with the public, media and internal stakeholders
- Apply software application, information and data management skills in an effective, legal and ethical manner
- Participate in succession planning and human resource activities
- Plan and adapt the implementation of strategies and tactics to inform communication objectives, decision-making, and project management goals
- Use research and analytical skills to support organizational objectives
- Use current and emerging technologies to interpret and present data and communicate effectively
Sample job titles
- Junior Economic Development Officer
- Community Relations Intern
- Communications Assistant
- Business Support Analyst
- Policy Analyst
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:
Bailey Binns-Franchetto
Employer Relations Consultant
bbinnsfranchetto@conestogac.on.ca
226-988-0718