Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How does the process work?
Once you contact us, the program coordinator will reach out to you to arrange a phone or Zoom call to say hello, answer any questions you may have and confirm your organization’s needs.
We will identify a student with the right skill set and interests and send you their resume for review.
Once we hear back from you, we will introduce you to the student over email and have them reach out to you directly to arrange a time to meet.
If all goes well, you can work with the student to determine a start date and weekly schedule, as well as a work plan.
We are available to you throughout the term if you have any questions or concerns.
Are ACPR field placements paid?
While placement partners are not required to pay students during their placements, we encourage them to do so if they are able (many placement hosts make use of the Canada Summer Jobs Grant for this purpose). If students are not being paid, we ask that you agree to a flexible work schedule so they can continue to work part-time while completing their placements. We can also provide advice about honorariums, stipends, etc.
What are the timelines?
We run field placements twice a year: in the Winter term (January-April) and the Spring/Summer term (May-August). Planning for the Winter term placements typically begins in September or October, while planning for the Spring/Summer term begins in January or February. Students need to complete a minimum of 280 hours during their placements, which works out to 8 weeks at 35 hours/week and 14 weeks at 20 hours/week. Most students exceed the minimum number of hours.
Can ACPR students complete field placements within the federal government?
Yes, the Algonquin College public relations program is on the Government of Canada’s list of validated post-secondary academic institutions and programs. Many students who plan to continue their studies post-placement are also part of the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP), which can make on-boarding easier. We regularly work with government departments including Correctional Services Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
What about workplace insurance?
The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) has streamlined the process for students enrolled in an approved Ontario college program that requires them to complete placements in a workplace as part of their program of study. Employers no longer need to complete coverage paperwork at the start of an internship. The paperwork is ONLY completed if there is a claim resulting from an on-the-job injury or illness. Here is a link to the insurance claim form:
What role do placement hosts play in evaluating a student’s performance and reporting to the college?
The students are required to submit placement journals to their professor on a regular basis and to track their hours. We expect hosts to provide students with regular feedback (as they would for any junior employee) throughout the duration of their placement, and to fill out an evaluation form at the end of term.