Cooperative Education is an educational program that integrates classroom theory with practical experience in the workplace. The program reinforces and expands upon a subject area that the student wishes to explore as a possible future career. It will allow the student to acquire first-hand experience with professionals in our community and the most up-to-date equipment in use today.
This program assists students bound for university, college, apprenticeship or the workplace. Please note that Co-op credits can be counted toward your compulsory STEM credit.
Grade 11 and 12 Co-op (2 or 4 credits)
A Cooperative Education student will earn two or four Co-op credits for work experience in any placement opportunity within the community. Student’s who have the educational background, demonstrate responsibility, motivation, commitment, and the willingness to learn in an adult workplace environment will be successful in this program. Work placements are dependent upon the skills, strengths, academic backgrounds, attitudes, and work ethics of individual students. Possibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Business (Accounting, Law, Human Resources, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Administration)
- Communications Technology (Computer Graphics/Programming/Technician, Web Design, Animation)
- Social Sciences (Teaching, Social Work, Recreational Services, Nutritionist)
- Science (Medicine, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Veterinarian, Dentistry)
- Media Arts (Journalism, Fashion Design, Television/Radio Productions)
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
An OYAP student earns two or four Co-op credits for work experience in an apprentice trade. Students accumulate workplace hours that count towards both secondary school co-op credits and level 1 requirements for an apprenticeship program. To participate in OYAP, students must be at least 15 years old and have accumulated a minimum of 14 credits towards their OSSD. This program provides opportunities in both regulated and non-regulated trades in the following sectors:
- Motive Power (Brake Technician, Auto Body Repairer, Automotive Service Technician)
- Service (Baker, Child and Youth Worker, Child Development Practitioner, Hairstylist, Cook)
- Construction (Brick and Stone Mason, Electrician, Drywall Finisher, Painter and Decorator, Plumber)
- Industrial (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Draftsperson, Welder, Machinist, Millwright)
Requirements for Admission
- Must be an independent learner with a commitment to regular attendance at the placement and good work habits.
- Must complete a Co-op application process with two teacher references, and permission of parent/guardian and interview with Co-op teacher.
How to Apply for Co-op
- Select the appropriate Co-op code in My Pathway Planner.
- A Co-op application form link will be e-mailed to you to complete by the deadline indicated on the application form (March/April).
- You will be scheduled for an interview once your forms are received. (April/May).
Note: Students interested in applying for the program must complete an application package. Specific questions may be directed to Ms. Sonya Kim, Department Head of Cooperative Education.
Benefits of Co-op
Cooperative Education is a program that integrates classroom theory with practical experience at the workplace
The program is based on a partnership between a school and a business or community organization that involves the participation of students, teachers and employers. By working together employers and schools can ensure that students develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for future success.
- Promotes understanding of career possibilities and skill requirements.
- Enhances job search skills
- Gains confidence, skills and valuable on-the-job experience.
- Develops interpersonal and communications skills.
- Deepens the understanding of the link between what is learned in the classroom and how it is applied at work.
- Builds a network of potential future employers and a source of references.
- Facilitates the transition from school to work.
- Increases the opportunity for acceptance into college, university, and apprenticeship programs.
- Develops maturity and self-confidence
- Develops a work force of young people who have employment skills and on-the-job experience.
- Provides the opportunity to build the future employee talent pool.
- Increases the knowledge, employability and skill levels of youth
- Encourages students to have a positive attitude towards productivity in the workplace.
- Enables employers to participate directly in the education of students and to keep educators informed of their requirements with respect to future employees.
- Enhances employee morale. Employees who work with students gain new skills, both supervisory and interpersonal. They also enjoy the benefit of youthful enthusiasm.
- Promotes awareness of job opportunities within the community
- Can reduce the level of youth unemployment because students are motivated to stay in school when they see the possibilities and understand the knowledge and skill requirements of various career options
- When employers team up with schools, the exchange of information and expertise helps enhance the curriculum and integrates classroom and workplace learning.
- Cooperation between schools and employers instils a strong sense that "this is my community"
- Develops student awareness of and concern for community values and interests.
Contact the Department
- Ms. S. Kim (Department Head)
- Ms. H. Priebe-Nizar
- Ms. R. Vlahopoulos