Ontario Power Generation named 2025 Social Sciences Co-op Employer of the Year

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) was named Social Sciences co-op employer of the year for 2025.

OPG, the largest low-carbon power producer in the province, was nominated by co-op student Leona Baltazar, who undertook a 12-month position with the Crown corporation.

Baltazar, who was named the Social Sciences co-op student of the year, was employed by the Renewable Generation Training team as an eLearning & Digital Design Intern. Baltazar said the experience contributed to her professional development.

“The biggest impact on me was their genuine commitment to helping co-op students grow,” she said. “Their leadership also allowed an environment where students and staff alike felt confident, respected and encouraged to thrive.”

The main focus of Baltazar’s work term was assisting the Renewable Generation Training team in updating and building eLearning modules for Line staff.

Baltazar was involved in meaningful work, including quality checks, reviewing content for accuracy and ensuring relevance and reviewing learner feedback to identify concerns and strengthen future modules.

“The experience broadened my understanding of instructional design within a large organization, strengthened my technical and interpersonal skills, and helped me feel more prepared for future professional opportunities,” said Baltazar. “It confirmed that I enjoy this type of work and motivated me to possibly continue building my expertise within this field.”

Baltazar also praised her supervisor, Sharlene Mitchell, senior training specialist with OPG.

“Sharlene created a safe and motivating space to learn, which significantly shaped my confidence and professional development,” said Baltazar. “Because of this, my co-op experience was not only professionally rewarding but also personally uplifting.”

Baltazar said that throughout the work term, she wasn’t treated as an intern but instead as a valuable team member.

“It was amazing how genuinely included I felt as part of the team,” she said. “From day one, everyone treated me not just as an intern, but as a contributing member of the group.

“I was trusted with meaningful tasks, and as I became more confident, I was given opportunities to take on larger responsibilities such as leading parts of the orientation for a new intern.”

OPG is a new employer partner of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Keri Long, co-op & internship manager, said that the partnership is already a fruitful one.

“Ontario Power Generation has proven to be an outstanding organization to collaborate with, setting a remarkably high standard for the co-op student experience,” said Long. “The Careers & Experiential Education team looks forward to continuing this strong partnership in the future.”