SDS 496R - Applied Apprenticeship

Next Offering

Winter 2027 (January - April). Applications to open September 2026.

SDS 496R: Applied Apprenticeship provides third and fourth-year SDS-major students with an opportunity for merging unpaid experience in an applied/real-world setting with in-class integrative learning.

Course format

The course consists of two components:

  1. VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE: at least 70 hours of applied experience in a local agency/organization.

    • Schedule up to student and agency, but all must be complete before end of term.  
    • Can include direct-service or time spent on readings/training necessary for the placement.
    • Students are responsible for their own transportation to placement and applicable costs for placement-required forms (e.g. criminal record check).
    • Students are free to find their own placement site, but the course coordinator must be informed to approve and ensure the potential site meets safety and course requirements. The placement agency should be within the Kitchener-Waterloo region, but may be online or outside the area if within reasonable distance to UWaterloo for site visits. Please identify any interest in this possibility in your application.  

  2. SIX IN-PERSON CLASSES: meet bi-weekly onsite at Renison with other 496R students and the course coordinator.

    • Classes are often 3hours and may be afternoon or evening. 
    • Set learning goals, discuss rewards and challenges arising from the placement, and present your experiences/outcomes.   
    • Attendance is key to get the most out of this course. Students must be present for at least 5 of the 6 on-campus classes to get the course credit.

Course Coordinator

Jim Perretta

SDS 496R instructor and coordinator, Dr. Jim Perretta

Dr. Jim Perretta is the course coordinator for SDS 496R: Applied Apprenticeship. Jim teaches a number of other SDS courses centered on psychology concepts and well-being, and maintains a clinical private practice. 

Learn more about Jim on his profile and hear him speak about self-compassion with an SDS alumna on a Distress and Crisis Ontario podcast. 

"Prof Perretta fostered a space where curiosity, reflection, and even uncertainty were treated as essential parts of learning, making it possible to take risks, ask questions, and fully invest in the experience."

~ SDS 496R student

Potential Placement Sites

This is a non-exhaustive list of placement sites that have previously supervised SDS 496R students. Some sites may supervise more than one student and site availability is subject to change. 

Eligibility to Apply

SDS 496R is capped at 25 students. Consider applying if you meet the following criteria:

  • Completing the SDS Major 
    • Priority given to SDS. Other majors can also apply, but enrolment is subject to class space and coordinator approval.
  • Level at least 3A during the application cycle (i.e. fall before offer)
    • Priority given to 4A or 4B students who require 400-level credits
  • Not on a work term in Winter (if in co-op)
  • Able to commit to the course requirements above

Grading

This course is offered on a credit/non-credit (CR/NCR) basis. Check with your advisor to ensure no issue with 50%-rule requirements.

CR/NCR courses do not impact degree averages.

SDS Specialization Option

Students who opt to do an SDS specialization may be able to take this course towards requirements, provided the role's scope and/or placement site fits the plan's focus area.

Subject to department approval after submitting the associated approval form during the application process below.

Application and Enrolment Process

  1. 2026
    1. Sep
      1. Submit SDS 496R Application (1 month)

        Submit the SDS 496R Application Form during the month of September.

        The form will be closed to submissions until the application cycle begins. 

    2. Oct
      1. Confirmation of Interview Slots (1-2 weeks)

        You will receive an email in early October if you are selected for a brief interview with the course coordinator. Sign-up for an available interview time-slot (details provided in the email). 

      2. Course Interviews (1-2 weeks)

        Interviews with the course coordinator typically happen in the last 2 weeks of October and will last 15-30 mins. Expect to discuss your expectations and goals for SDS 496R, to help the coordinator determine if the course and/or which placement agencies/focus areas may be a good fit. 

    3. Nov
      1. Placement Interviews (2-3 weeks)

        A second interview with the placement agency may be needed. If so, the coordinator will facilitate with a goal for early/mid-November.

      2. (optional) SDS Specialization Forms due

        If tracking an SDS specialization and the placement role aligns with the plan's theme, it can be requested to count towards the plan requirements. Department approval required upon review of confirmed placement and expected role.

        NOTE: Subsequent tasks or forms may be necessary pending placement requirements (e.g. obtain a vulnerable persons screening or criminal record check). These will be up to the student to complete on their own time according to agency deadlines.

      3. Course added to schedule

        A successful applicant will be internally enrolled in SDS 496R by the SDS Department for the applicable term. You do not need to course select 496R, but can submit for an alternative course that can then be swapped with 496R.

  2. 2027
    1. Jan
      1. Classes & Placement begin

        Have a wonderful placement! 

Student perspectives 

Thank you to these amazing SDS 496R students for sharing their experiences with the course and placement sites!

What skills did you develop and/or was your "biggest takeaway" from SDS 496R?

  • Learning the difference between a job and a career
  • Ability to be an educator and role model
  • Witnessing progress in clients
  • De-stigmatizing my personal assumptions
  • Being the person others sought out to listen
  • Exploring out my comfort zone and pushing my old limits
  • Seeing passion in others
  • Building rapport
  • Being able to establish new services to help UW students 
  • Allow yourself to be a better learner
  • Tied academic learning to hands-on experience
  • Seeing weaknesses turn into strengths
  • Facilitating connection into the workforce
  • Networking with influential individuals in my field
  • Rolling out presentation Ontario wide
  • Learning novel ways to educate
  • Seeing their (clients) face light up
  • Feeling empowered and excited
  • Enhance my communication and organizational skills
  • I learned how to recruit volunteers and participants

~ summarized from SDS 496R students 2020-2025 

oneROOF Youth Services

Pam Tiglao

 "What we learn throughout our degree in school is just the start. At my placement [with oneROOF Youth Services], I had an extraordinary opportunity to be mentored by professionals with lived experiences to serve under-resourced youth and families. By stepping into the field to face the real challenges, existing knowledge and skills further expand into social action. With the SDS 496R Applied Apprenticeship, theory integrated with practice and I became a part of a movement working towards a solution to end injustice.” ~Pam Tiglao

First United Church

"My placement...taught me the vast amount of work that is involved in constructing a community program from the ground up. I had the opportunity to work with First United Church to help develop their "Food and Friends at First" program which caters to frail elderly. I learned how to recruit volunteers and participants, to receive feedback and adapt programs to run them more effectively, to obtain required items for the program, to network with interested organizations and reflect upon experiences effectively.

In class, I related my own experience to [those] of my classmates and found many similarities, while differences allowed me to expand my own knowledge of the broad social work field."  

~Melinda Goertz

Strong Start

Alexis Wallace, SDS 496R student in her placement at Strong Start

Read how SDS 496R students work with one of our local education partner agencies, Strong Start!

Starling Community Services/Luther Village

Katerina Protopapas

"I completed my placement as a Memory Care Student at Starling Community Services’ Luther Village on the Park. This placement immersed me in geriatric and dementia care, an area distinct from my primarily youth-focused background, and pushed me to navigate a meaningful but initially unfamiliar transition across the lifespan. What could have felt overwhelming instead became deeply engaging, largely due to the course’s intentionally open, supportive environment. Working closely with residents living with dementia challenged me to move beyond task-oriented care and develop a more nuanced, person-centered approach grounded in dignity, flexibility, and presence. This experience was both grounding and transformative. It not only expanded my practical skillset, but also reshaped how I understand care, aging, and human connection. As I prepare for a career in this field and look ahead to graduate studies, this placement has been especially formative in clarifying my interests and strengthening my confidence in my path forward. Most importantly, it affirmed my ability to step into unfamiliar spaces and work meaningfully across diverse populations with empathy, adaptability, and a strong commitment to person-centered care. I cannot recommend this course enough!" ~Katerina Protopapas

University of Waterloo (varied units available)

"SDS 496R includes the perfect mix of foundational knowledge and hands-on skills which have helped me prepare for my future career. The highlight of the course was my placement with the University of Waterloo's Marketing and Undergraduate Recruitment team.

I was given the opportunity to create and deliver my own workshop about resilience, and I was able to apply the skills I learned in the seminars to a real-world setting. I delivered my workshop to over 250 high school students, sharing valuable insights and strategies for navigating challenges in their academic and professional journeys. This apprenticeship encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, take initiative, and develop leadership abilities.

The support and mentorship I received throughout the course were invaluable, providing me with guidance and encouragement every step of the way."

~Hannah Abrams 

Ray of Hope

Abbey Crocker

"SDS 496R is an amazing opportunity for students to get their foot in the door of social work. With a balanced approach of both practical knowledge and placement application, students are set up for success. During my placement at Ray of Hope, I further developed my social work skills and gained a foundational understanding of how social work looks in different settings. This course allows you to try new experiences while maintaining your studies!" ~Abbey Crocker

Questions? Contact the Course Coordinator, jim.perretta@uwaterloo.ca.

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