Waterloo talent helps bring technology to the world
By: Lisa Brackenridge
Samuel Automation taps into co-op student talent to build its future workforce through collaboration, innovation and continuous learning opportunities.
The custom automation integrator is shaping the future of manufacturing by building machines for clients around the world. Beyond technical expertise, Samuel Automation is deeply committed to fostering talent and building a people-first business.
The company's involvement with the University of Waterloo’s co-op program is central to this mission, ensuring that both students and the company benefit from hands-on experience and community growth.
We’re a people-based business, and we’re a business that wants to grow. The people who are going to support the growth of our team reside here.
Company snapshot
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Location: Waterloo, Ontario
- Years of operation: 100+ years
- Years as a Waterloo co-op employer: 10+ years
- Total Waterloo co-op work terms: 1-6 students per term
- Key roles: mechanical design co-op, project management co-op, electrical engineering co-op, software development/programming,
The approach: collaboration and continuous learning
Samuel Automation’s approach to onboarding and mentoring co-op students is rooted in collaboration and adaptability. When working with a team of 20 designers and 20 programmers, communication is key. The company continually refines its processes to ensure that everyone understands project goals and can contribute effectively.
Jeremy Metzger (BASc ’23), mechanical designer at Samuel Automation
“We keep on working on better ways to show each other what a machine is going to do and keep that collaboration going through the whole project,” explains Jeremy Metzger (BASc ’23), Mechanical Designer at Samuel Automation.
The team at Samuel Automation consistently finds that students from Waterloo arrive well-prepared, thanks to rigorous coursework and the University’s emphasis on adaptability.
“Waterloo does a really good job of giving you heavy courses, a lot of work, but it makes you adapt really well to just having to pick things up really quickly and learn new things,” says Sarah Rodriguez, a Biomedical Engineering co-op student who spent a work term at Samuel Automation working in controls.
The impact of co-op students: building the future together
Samuel Automation doesn't view co-op students as just temporary hires; they see them as future leaders and innovators. The company invests heavily in the co-op program, bringing in students ahead of time to learn, contribute and discover their career paths.
Jeff Chircop, controls manager at Samuel Automation
“Co-op students are people who will be coming in here, who we’ll be hiring in the future to do what we’re currently doing,” says Jeff Chircop, Controls Manager, Samuel Automation. “It’s extremely important that we bring them in ahead of time for them to learn, and to see where they want to go in the future.”
Students echo this sentiment, noting the value of applying foundational skills in real-world contexts. “I learned C++ and now I’m able to apply it to SQL, Visual Basic… once you learn how to do one kind of skill like coding, then you can apply it a lot more easily,” says a student.
Key takeaway
By investing in Waterloo co-op students, Samuel Automation ensures a steady pipeline of skilled professionals who are ready to innovate and grow with the company. It demonstrates its commitment to Waterloo talent and continuous learning by offering a variety of role-based and project-based positions for students across Canada and the United States. The team's collaborative culture and focus on mentorship make Samuel Automation a standout employer.