The program was designed to be of fourteen semesters in duration with six of these semesters spent in industry. Mr. Peter Young, P. Eng., a director of training with the Iron Ore Company of Canada was also hired. He was responsible for the work terms, including marketing and promotion. The first students were admitted in 1969 and graduated in 1974. Today the Faculty of Engineering admits 180 students, the majority of whom have already completed 10 university courses.
All students then take the same courses in the first two academic semesters of engineering studies.
Upon successful completion of eight academic semesters and six work terms in the prescribed sequence, the Bachelor of Engineering degree is awarded. The co-op programs have several requirements. The co-operative education student is engaged in productive work rather than merely observing. The co-operative education student receives renumeration for the work performed. The total co-operative work experience is normally fifty percent of the time spent in academic study, and in no circumstances less than thirty percent.