FAQ 1  What is a practicum, how long does it last and when does it take place?
 

A practicum is an integral part of a work-study program, an educational approach that allows students to learn a trade or technology by alternating periods of classroom study with on-the-job experience in business or industry. A work-study program offers the flexibility to adapt to workplace realities as well as student training needs.

Purpose of the practicum 

- The purpose of the practicum depends on the agreement between the school and the workplace:

- The purpose of the practicum depends on the agreement between the school and the workplace:

-The purpose of the practicum may be to practise skills learned in the classroom. In this case, the
  student trainee is generally paid and the practicum is lengthy. The company is responsible for assigning
  trainees tasks suitable for their level of training and for supervising their work. 

-The purpose of the practicum may be to learn part of the program of study on the job. In this case,
  the student trainee is not generally paid and the practicum is short (three to four weeks). The company is
  responsible for showing trainees certain occupational skills and for supervising their learning and their
  work. 
 
 

Length of practicum

A practicum generally lasts at least three weeks. cooperative education practicumsmay last much as 16 weeks (see FAQ 13).
 
 

The school consults target companies before determining practicum length. Depending on as

student training needs and the companies’ opinions on ideal practicum length, the school may adjust its work-study program.

 

Timing of practicum 

The school consults target companies before determining practicum length. Depending on as

The school also consults target companies about the timing of the practicum. The timing is

determined based on student training needs as well as the placement capacities of target

companies, their needs and constraints (e.g., seasonal workload patterns, peak periods and slack periods).