Name: Mallory Stephens
Program: Biomedical Engineering
School: University of Guelph
Why did you want to join Bruce Power?
Having family in the area that worked for Bruce Power, I became aware of the vast opportunities the company provides. As I did more research, I found out it was one of the top suppliers of medical isotopes and a top employer for young people. Coming from a biomedical background, the isotope program really caught my eye. I had a gut feeling that Bruce Power would provide me with the perfect opportunity and expose me to the incredible field of nuclear energy. All I can say is listen to your gut!
What have you gotten out of your co-op term?
This is my second summer working for Bruce Power. My first co-op term was spent in the Work Management department. This year, I joined Design Engineering as a member of the Pressure Boundary and Piping team.
As I near the end of my degree, I aim to learn more about what a career in the nuclear industry would look like for an engineer. My goal is to gain a deeper understanding of how the different aspects of the business work together to power Ontario and provide cancer-fighting medical isotopes. I’m surrounded by valuable mentors here, and I’m going to take advantage of every opportunity offered to me.
What tips do you have for other students who are considering a co-op placement at Bruce Power?
Just apply! Bruce Power has over 70 students on site at any given time; it feels like a school away from school. Moving to a new area is not scary if you build a network and get involved, both at work and in the community. Your co-op term is what you make it. Keep an open mind, ask tons of questions and you will soon realize the potential you have here.
Name: Dorian Charette
Program: Professional Communication
School: Toronto Metropolitan University
Why did you want to join Bruce Power?
Having grown up in the Bruce area, I always wanted to enrich my undergrad experience with exposure from Bruce Power’s world renowned facility. I knew that Bruce Power had the most potential to help expand my skillset and would provide great mentorship and exposure to a future in my fields of study. It also upholds rigorous industry standards by focusing on safety and innovation which was a great advantage for students.
What are you hoping to get from your co-op term?
As a development student, I hope to achieve professional and personal growth through this position while gaining practical experience by applying the knowledge and skills acquired at school to real-world situations. I am hopeful for the future of nuclear in Canada, and I look forward to further understanding Bruce Power’s role within the Canadian energy sector.
What tips do you have for other students who are considering a co-op placement at Bruce Power?
As a returning student completing my second summer developmental term here at Bruce Power, I can attest to the fact that Bruce Power is truly powered by its people. The connections you make during your term will prove to be invaluable and will set you up for success as you begin your career post-graduation. Take every opportunity to connect with those around you, you won’t regret it!
Name: Morgan Smith
Program: Chemical Engineering Specializing in Biochemistry
School: Queen’s University
Why did you want to join Bruce Power?
I have always been interested in sustainability and renewable energy, which is the main reason I went into engineering. When I found out Bruce Power provides carbon-free, clean, affordable electricity to Ontario, it was a no-brainer! I was especially impressed with the Development Student Program and the student retention rate after graduation. I wanted to further my career with a company that values and invests in their students and genuinely wants to help you develop and find a potential career path with them.
What are you hoping to get from your co-op term?
Reflecting on my 12-month internship, I am so glad I took this opportunity. Not only did I gain professional experience and develop my technical skills, but I also grew as an individual, became more confident in myself, and gained clarity of what I want to get out of my future career.
I started my internship in May 2022 with Work Management. Working with the Bruce A team, I was able to observe and assist in the planning and preparation of all the work happening in the station. I was fortunate to be given opportunities to shadow and work with Operations and Engineering as well as attend leadership meetings. Working in the station and crossing over into multiple work groups, I was able to build strong connections, deepen my knowledge of nuclear energy generation, and learn about the complexity and interconnectivity of the business.
During my current four-month placement with Bruce A Chemistry and Environment, I hope to further my knowledge of the plant processes and put my skills into practice as I dive deeper into the specifics of chemistry control within the systems. I am so glad I have the chance to see glimpses into my future career path.
What tips do you have for other students who are considering a co-op placement at Bruce Power?
Bruce Power is a great company to consider for a co-op placement. The Development Student Program nurtures career development and connects you with valuable mentors. Throughout your time here, you will be provided with numerous learning and networking opportunities, and you will be able to experience various areas of the business!
If you accept a co-op placement here, come in with a learning attitude and don’t be afraid to ask questions! Take the initiative to ask for shadowing opportunities, look into interesting projects that you would want to get involved in, and don’t doubt your abilities.
Name: Thomas Baker
Program: Engineering Physics – Mechanical
School: Queen’s University
Why did you want to join Bruce Power?
Ever since I’ve started my engineering degree, I have wanted the same three things from my career: the ability to innovate; to help reduce climate change; and to have a positive impact on the surrounding community.
Working for Bruce Power has given me the opportunity to have a job where all my values are not only supported but are encouraged.
The other benefits of working in Bruce County are the lakeside living, easy commute and a variety of community activities. Here are some of the activities outside of work that I have picked up: volleyball, softball, lawn bowling, golf, playing cards and lots of dancing!
What have you gotten out of your co-op term?
Over the past 13 months, I have worked in Design Engineering in Specialized Tooling. Throughout my experience, I have worked closely with the Bruce Reactor Inspection and Maintenance System (BRIMS) team to help with many challenging and interesting problems. One of the coolest projects I was a part of was a tool redesign that helped repair an important seal face on our end fittings. This resulted in troubleshooting the original tool and finding new ways to improve it. The best part of the project was seeing our design come to life after hours of 3D modelling and design iteration.
Being a part of the BRIMS team has given me the opportunity to explore many areas of engineering. Throughout my experience, I have worked with the electrical, mechanical and software components of the BRIMS system. It’s amazing to see how all areas of engineering are required to work together in tandem to create a robotics system that helps save critical path time, reduces dose to employees and supports the safe delivery of inspection tooling.
What tips do you have for other students who are considering a co-op placement at Bruce Power?
Over the past year, I have learned so much about career development from the summer speaker series at Bruce Power. The biggest takeaway I have learned is to always advocate for yourself. No one is going to know what you want unless you tell someone about it.
Name: Meredith Haney
Program: Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology
School: Lambton College
Why did you want to join Bruce Power?
During my co-op term, I am hoping to be able to take what I have learned in the classroom and apply it in the field to further expand my knowledge as well as gain valuable experience in the industry. I am also looking forward to networking with a diverse group of professionals to learn everything I can from them. I am hopeful for the future of nuclear in Canada, and I look forward to further understanding Bruce Power’s role within the Canadian energy sector.
What are you hoping to get from your co-op term?
As a student, I am building the foundation of my future. Bruce Power’s diligent standards for safety and excellence allow me to learn everything the correct way the first time, creating a strong start to my career. The opportunity to learn about nuclear power, work with highly skilled individuals in my trade and know that I am starting my future off on the right foot was one I could not pass up.
What tips do you have for other students who are considering a co-op placement at Bruce Power?
There is an abundance of opportunities provided to students at Bruce Power to grow professionally. My advice for other students considering a co-op placement at Bruce Power is to take every opportunity available to you to and learn everything you can. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be afraid to ask to get involved with jobs or projects that you are interested in. There is something new to learn every day, and there are so many people willing to help you.
