Engineering Co-Op Program

Ariel Corporation is committed to providing a world-class Co-Op Program to develop the skills and talents of promising engineers. This program has been used by several universities as a model program for other organizations. Ariel is constantly reviewing the program to ensure that it meets the needs of the students and Ariel's business needs. In so doing so, we are able to provide one of the most dedicated and effective training grounds in the engineering manufacturing industry.

Company Overview

Ariel Corporation, the global leader in gas compressor manufacturing, is a rapidly growing, dynamic and innovative producer of gas compression equipment. We set the standard through Design Integrity, Technology, Manufacturing Excellence, Relationships, Customer Support, and Traditions. Our work environment of teamwork, flexibility, continuous improvement, and ongoing employee development make Ariel an ideal work setting to take your career to the next level in an open and fun atmosphere.

Ariel Corporation is headquartered in Mount Vernon, about 45 minutes northeast of Columbus, Ohio. Columbus has been noted as the 15th largest city in the United States and has all the "big city" cultural aspects and attactions. Mount Vernon is a scenic town with several art galleries, local craftsmen, antique stores, local produce and orchards, and all the charm of a colonial town. The surrounding scenic lakes offer fishing, camping, canoeing, hiking, and countless walking trails. There are no fewer than 15 golf courses within a 30-minute drive. Ariel strongly supports its community and believes in the right balance between work life and home life.

Purpose

The purpose of Ariel's Engineering Co-Op Program is to attract high performers, develop leadership talent, improve productivity, develop a line of succession, and to strengthen our corporate competitive advantage. We will provide the co-op student with opportunities to develop skills and behaviors through hands-on learning and exposure to the professional manufacturing environment. The program is designed to prepare the student for a professional work experience where they can begin integrating both classroom knowledge with real work experience.

Engineering Co-Op Program Flowchart

The co-op student's first term with Ariel Corporation will begin with attending our new employee orientation to gain an overview of our organization and processes. Following completion of the orientation, the student will observe the shop floor and experience our product first hand in the Operations Experience track. Once the student has a clear understanding of our product, they will move to a rotation in one of the Engineering tracks, as shown below.

In our co-op recruitment process we also look at a student's academic records as well as their interpersonal skills, teamwork, work experience, flexibility, and adaptability. In return, Ariel provides a rewarding and challenging co-op learning experience in which future engineers work alongside skilled professionals in a mentoring relationship.

Design and Applications Engineering Co-Op Flowchart

Student Selection for: Design and Applications Engineers theoretical comprehension of engineering with computer-aided design experience, knowledge of manufacturing techniques, capabilities and desires of research and development along with the abilities of complex mathematical analysis and design.

Manufacturing / Quality / Field Services Engineering Co-Op Flowchart

Student Selection for: Manufacturing / Quality Control / Field Service Engineers knowledge base of manufacturing and management systems, problem-solving techniques including analytical thinking, and genuine interest in manufacturing processes including operations, service and maintenance.

Methodology and Objectives

During the student's rotation, they will progress through a variety of learning opportunities, including classroom instruction, operations experiences, on-the-job training, research, hands-on projects and work experiences. As a result, the co-op student will begin to develop the following skills and behaviors:

1. Work with a team of professional engineers while demonstrating critical thinking skills, business work ethic, and technical abilities.
   
   
2. Perform tasks and responsibilities with extra attention to detail, completeness, and accuracy.
   
   
3. Plan, initiate, manage, research, report results, and follow through on projects while demonstrating leadership skills, communication skills and business knowledge.
   
   
4. Contribute to the quality of the project through applying technical skills, critical thinking, communication, and academic coursework.
   
   
5. Demonstrate professional behavior in communications, follow-through, business etiquette, time management and interpersonal skills.
   
   
6. Communicate with co-workers at all levels within the organization in a variety of work situations by listening attentively, asking well thought out questions, presenting information appropriately and effectively, writing and speaking clearly and succinctly, taking the initiative to keep their Mentor and Engineering Co-Op Program Manager informed of work progress, and handling confidential information appropriately.
   
   
7. Treat working relationships in a professional manner by taking accountability, following up, and communicating effectively.

The First Rotation

The Co-Op student's first rotation experience begins with attending an orientation, required by all new employees of Ariel Corporation. During this training, the co-op student will learn our safety procedures and requirements, our corporate policies, receive training on our product, computer orientation, ISO standards overview, and more. They will also tour Ariel facilities.

Following these experiences, they will progress through the Operations Experience track of guided learning with skilled professionals and on-the-job trainers. These departments and functions include:

• Assembly
• Quality Control
• Drafting
• Spares
• Machine Shop
• Bill of Material
• Specialty Shop
• Stores

Also during this time, the student will work on a paper detailing the production of an Ariel compressor and the design implications from initial concept to finished product and testing. Upon completion, the paper will be evaluated by their Mentor for technical accuracy, completeness, applicability, communication skills, and clarity. Following their Operations Experience, the student begins in either General Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering, depending upon the interest of the student. Co-Op students meet periodically with the Engineering Co-Op Program Manager for curriculum updates, soft skill development, feedback, follow-up, questions and answers, and coaching. Guest speakers from the various functions within our organization are invited to talk with the students during informal sessions. In addition to regular ongoing feedback, the students also receive an end-of-term performance evaluation from their Mentor.

The Co-Op Program Manager and Mentor

The Manager of the Co-Op Program mentors the students on their soft skills and professional development and ensures consistency throughout the program. As the student begins their Engineering track, the Manager will assign the student to a Mentor, who will provide guidance on the company's organizational culture and look for opportunities for the student to be involved in projects.

Both the Mentor and Co-Op Program Manager will guide the student through their experience and help them to grow professionally while developing possible talent for our organization. High performance, valuable contributions, and professional skills make the co-op experience beneficial for everyone. The skills, abilities and behaviors are developed by a mutual commitment of everyone involved. The Mentor and Program Manager contribute by providing ways for the student to engage in the work environment, and the student's contribution involves openness to learning. Integral parts of the learning process are clear communication of the company expectations and include the commitment of the Mentor and follow-up on the student's progress. By providing the student with continual feedback plus formal performance reviews, the student will have a clear understanding of their progress and areas that need improvement.

The Mentor and Co-Op Program Manager will help the student succeed by creating opportunities and sharing knowledge. This happens in both formal and informal settings throughout the work day. Toward that end, the Mentor and Co-Op Program Manager will:

• Prepare and plan for a valuable learning experience for the student.
• Communicate goals for the co-op assignment, and the performance expectations.
• Show commitment to the student by providing necessary training, tools, and resources for their tasks and projects.
• Conduct regular meetings with the student and provide feedback on performance and productivity.
• Encourage the student to participate in professional and organizational activities.
• Address any concerns or issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Provide a performance evaluation for the student and to the student's university.
• Wear many hats and play many roles, such as the communicator, counselor, coach, advisor, and primary contact.

The Mentors and Co-Op Program Manager meet regularly with their co-op students for coaching and updates. The Mentors also meet regularly with the Engineering Co-Op Program Manager for updates and follow-up, help with developing the co-op's Individual Development Plans, and discussion of co-op progress.

Individual Development Plan

Each Mentor will receive a copy of the student's Background and Interest Survey, which the student will complete prior to beginning their engineering track. This survey will include their goals, past experience, strengths and weaknesses, and developmental interests. The Mentor is responsible for developing the student's Individual Development Plan utilizing these tools to "customize" the student's experience here. The student's progress on this Plan will be reviewed by the Mentor. At that time, the Mentor will provide coaching to assist the student and ensure their success. This Plan and the student's progress provides a basis for the student's evaluation at the end of the term.

Final Presentation

Co-op students who are invited to return to Ariel will be required to give an oral presentation on their projects, at the end of their second term. This presentation will be given to a team of selected senior managers, their Mentor, and the Engineering Co-Op Program Manager who will evaluate the student on their presentation.