A student’s co-op experience at Workplace Safety North
Workplace Safety North (WSN) is proud to support the development of emerging safety professionals. Over the past several years, students from Cambrian College’s Workplace Safety and Prevention Technician program have completed seven-week co-op placements with WSN, gaining hands-on experience across various areas of occupational health and safety.
Working alongside WSN Health and Safety Specialists, students gain insight into the profession through classroom learning, consulting projects, industrial hygiene assessments and field-based opportunities. As Canadian Registered Safety Professionals and Technicians (CRSP/CRST), WSN specialists provide mentorship and guidance to help students build the skills and confidence needed for their future careers.
Monica Lisi, a recent co-op placement student, shared her experience to inspire others exploring a career in occupational health and safety and highlight the value of mentorship opportunities for students entering the field.
Reflecting on my co-op experience at Workplace Safety North
By Monica Lisi
As my seven-week placement at Workplace Safety North comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on how much I have learned and experienced in such a short period of time.
Coming into this placement as a Workplace Safety and Prevention Technician student from Cambrian College, I was excited to gain real-world experience and learn more about the health and safety profession. Looking back, I can say this placement exceeded my expectations and provided valuable experiences that will help shape my future career.
From the classroom to the field
One of the things I enjoyed most about my placement was the variety of work I was exposed to. Throughout my time at WSN, every day was different. I supported consulting projects, training initiatives and gained hands-on experience in the field of industrial hygiene.
I had the opportunity to assist with noise monitoring, silica and dust sampling, diesel particulate matter assessments and respirator fit testing. I also supported the development of PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets and various health and safety resources that contributed to both internal and external projects.
One accomplishment I am proud of is gaining confidence while participating in fieldwork. Learning how to calibrate equipment, prepare sampling pumps and assist with workplace monitoring allowed me to apply my classroom knowledge in a practical setting. Being trusted to contribute to these projects gave me a greater appreciation for the important role health and safety professionals and technicians play in protecting workers.
Gaining practical experience in the field
This placement provided me with countless learning opportunities. I gained hands-on experience using industrial hygiene equipment, including noise dosimeters and air-sampling pumps, and learned how occupational exposure assessments are conducted in workplaces.
Beyond technical skills, I developed a better understanding of workplace health and safety consulting. I observed how health and safety professionals work closely with clients to identify hazards, develop solutions and support compliance with regulations.
One of the biggest surprises for me was seeing how diverse this profession can be. Before my placement, I understood the theory behind many health and safety concepts, but I did not fully appreciate how much collaboration, communication and problem-solving happens behind the scenes.
Building confidence through experience
Like many students entering a professional environment for the first time, I faced challenges related to confidence and stepping outside of my comfort zone. Participating in field assessments, interacting with workers and visiting unfamiliar workplaces felt intimidating at first.
With encouragement from my mentor and the Workplace Safety North team, I became more comfortable asking questions, engaging with clients and taking on new responsibilities. Each new experience helped me build confidence in my abilities and strengthen my communication skills.
This placement also taught me the importance of adaptability. Whether I was working in the office, attending training programs or visiting worksites, I learned how to adapt to different environments and expectations.
The value of mentorship
The people at Workplace Safety North played a significant role in making this placement such a positive experience. From my first day, I felt welcomed and supported by everyone I worked with.
I was fortunate to be mentored by Judit Nelson, who took the time to explain processes, answer questions and involve me in meaningful projects. With her guidance, I gained valuable insights into consulting, industrial hygiene and building professional client relationships.
One of the highlights of my placement was visiting different workplaces and industries. These experiences allowed me to see firsthand how health and safety principles are applied across a variety of settings. The willingness of both WSN staff and clients to share their knowledge made every experience a valuable learning opportunity.
Taking the next step in my career
This placement reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in occupational health and safety, particularly within industrial and mining environments. The hands-on experience I gained helped me connect classroom concepts with real-world applications and gave me a clearer understanding of potential career paths within the profession.
As I begin my career, I will continue to build on the technical knowledge, professional skills and confidence I developed during my time at Workplace Safety North.
For future students considering a career in health and safety, my advice is to embrace every opportunity to learn. Ask questions, step outside your comfort zone and take advantage of the experiences offered to you. Health and safety is a rewarding field where every day presents new challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact on workers and workplaces.
I am grateful to the entire Workplace Safety North team for their support, generosity, mentorship and willingness to invest in my growth throughout this placement. The experiences I gained have been meaningful, and I look forward to applying everything I have learned as I begin the next chapter of my career.
Related