Cooperative Education is an educational program that integrates classroom theory with practical experience in the workplace. The program is based on a partnership between the school and a business or community organization. It involves the participation of students, teachers and placement supervisors.
Contact Us
K. Vrensen (Department Head)
B. Shah
R. Vlahopoulos
Course Options
Co-op Course Options
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 (2) co-op credits can be counted toward your compulsory credits.
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 (see codes below).
- 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).
Course note: Students interested in applying for the program must complete an application package. Specific questions may be directed to the program coordinator K. Vrensen (ext. 227).
Cooperative Education - Grade 11 and 12 - 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 able 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 16 years old and have accumulated a minimum of 16 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 Practioner, Hairstylist, Cook)
- Construction (Brick and Stone Mason, Electrician, Drywall Finisher, Painter and Decorator, Plumber)
- Industrial (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Draftsperson, Welder, Machinist, Millwright)
This four credit Co-op option also includes the Armed Forces Co-op experience for grade 12 students. Students will complete the Canadian Armed Forces application process, train at the Aurora or the Toronto Armory and will gain their Basic Military Qualifications and Soldier Qualifications upon successful completion.
Application forms, teacher references, and an interview are required for all of the above four credit Co-op experiences. The type of Co-op placement will be discussed during the Co-op interview.
Grade 9 - 12 High Performance Athlete Co-op - 1 or 2 credits
This educational support program is available to school-aged athletes in grades 9 through 12. The athletes must be competing at the provincial, national or international levels and for each credit, be training and competing for 10 hours per week for 6 months during the school year. Participants benefit from the specialized support and receive co-op credits for their out-of-school training.
Course Note: Students interested in applying for the program must complete an application package. Specific questions may be directed to the program coordinator K. Vrensen (ext. 227).
Specialized Programs:
Opportunities:
Markville students have had the opportunity to work in and experience positions within the following industries:
- Accounting
- Administrative Assistant
- Animal Care
- Audio Installation
- Auto Body & Collision Repair
- Automotive Service Technician
- Business
- Collectables
- Cook/Chef
- Curator
- Day Care
- Dental
- Electrical
- Funeral Director
- Glazier & Metal Mechanic
- Golf Management
- Graphic Designer
- Hairstylist
- Health Care
- Hotel/Hospitality
- Interior Decorating
- Journalism
- Law
- Manufacturing
- Marketing
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Plumbing
- Retail
- Security
- Seniors Residence
- Skin Care
- Small Engine Technician
- Teaching
- Technology
- Theatre
- Tool Die
- Veterinary
- And many, many, more…..
Centralized Placements are competitive positions open to all schools throughout York Region.
Centralized Placements:
York Region Hospitals
GTA Hospitals
Hotels
Benefits:
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.
The Employer Benefits:
- 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.
The Community Benefits:
- 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.
The Student Benefits:
- 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