More than 20 post-secondary students from across Ontario are wrapping up their Fall co-op placements at Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA).

17 new students and five returning students have been working on different aspects of the Gordie Howe International Bridge Project. The students are hired to work in various departments including communications, engineering, construction, information technology, procurement, and human resources.

Experiential learning continues to evolve at WDBA. Students are offered the opportunity to work on a legacy infrastructure project, while gaining valuable skills and work experience that contribute to their career path. 

Since 2016, WDBA has successfully hired 175 students from different post-secondary institutions such as the University of Windsor, the University of Waterloo, the University of Western Ontario and St. Clair College. Upon graduation, three students have been hired on a full-time basis.

This year, WDBA has implemented a guest speaker series where staff discuss their work responsibilities and offer career advice. 

“These weekly co-op meetings encourage knowledge sharing and they are a great opportunity for students to network with one another” says Deanna Santos, WDBA’s Human Resource Generalist.  

While many businesses and organizations have had to restrict or even stop hiring students due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WDBA has remained committed to its co-op program and have equipped our students to be able to work remotely.

WDBA’s program has been recognized by the University of Windsor with the Co-op/Internship Employer of the Year award for three consecutive years. The honour recognizes organizations who have a long-standing partnership with the co-op office and have created exceptional work term experiences. 

Each semester WDBA’s Marketing & Communication co-op student is tasked with developing a creative way to introduce the co-op students in the current term. Learn more about our Fall 2021 co-op students in the graphic images below which were produced by Jeron Kir.