Secondary students are eligible to earn credits towards their diploma by applying the knowledge they learn in school to a workplace setting. Employers participating in Co-op programs are referred to as "placement supervisors". Their role is to guide the student's learning through appropriate training and supervision. The goal of Co-op programs is to support students in exploring interests and developing skills for the future. Please see the supervisor's guide for more information.
Benefits of Co-op
Your organization gets to:
- participate in the education of today's youth;
- identify potential future employees;
- develop supervisory skills in employees;
- utilize motivated students who are willing to learn and take on new tasks;
- develop greater understanding between the community and today's youth.
Role of the Supervisor
As the supervisor, your role will be to establish mutual expectations and responsibilities of the Cooperative Education partnership, and to support the student’s learning during the Co-op term.
As Co-op supervisor your responsibilities may include:
Prior to Placement
- Review the student’s resume and cover letter;
- Interview the student to determine suitability of the placement;
- Agree to accept the student if you believe the student will benefit from and contribute to your work environment
- Discuss the student’s interests, strengths and goals;
- Establish roles and expectations;
- Indicate the experience available at your workplace;
- Meet with the monitoring teacher to review the Pre-placement Safety Assessment;
- Provide an orientation to the placement, including health and safety procedures;
- Establish Co-op schedule and work hours;
- Consider who will be responsible for the direct daily supervisor of the student, if it is not you personally, prepare the employee for such responsibilities;
- Complete the necessary forms prior to commencement of student placement.
During the Co-op Term
- Provide a safe working and learning environment;
- Offer challenging learning experiences that will encourage personal growth and develop career goals;
- Have regular communication/contact with the student and teacher-monitor;
- Help the student function as an integral part of a team;
- Confirm the student’s time sheets/logs in order to verify placement hours;
- Meet with the teacher several times over the course of the placement to discuss the student progress;
- Provide input and feedback on school assignments that are related to the placement experience;
- Complete the performance appraisals for the student.
Semester 1 is from September to January, and semester 2 runs from February to June. Most Co-op students will be ready for their placement after three to four weeks of in-school classes with their Co-op teacher.
Two credit (half day) students usually work around 2.5-3 hours each day. Four credit (full day) students usually work between 6-8 hours each day with at least a 30 minute lunch break. The start and end times of their work will be determined in conjunction with the school’s timetable and the hours of operation of the placement.
Students’ tasks will vary greatly depending on the type of placement and the readiness/interest of each student. Supervisors and students are encouraged to discuss what the student’s interests and strengths are to determine appropriate type of work at the placement. The hope is that students will build upon their experiences and gradually move on to assist with more complex tasks at the placement. By the end of the semester, students should have experienced a wide range of duties and tasks. This should be discussed with the student when developing the CELP in collaboration with the placement supervisor, student and teacher-monitor.
Most students participating in Cooperative Education programs are covered under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. To ensure coverage, a Ministry of Education Work Education Agreement form must be completed and signed by all parties prior to student placement. This insurance coverage, arranged through the Ministry of Education, applies only to the hours stated on the Work Education Agreement. If an amendment to the hours stated on the Work Education Agreement is required, a note (signed by all parties) must be appended to the Work Education Agreement Form in order to ensure insurance coverage for the student. It is the student's responsibility to obtain this approval.
Students and training organizations are insured against a lawsuit arising out of the negligence of the student while performing the duties of the Co-op assignment. The board does not cover personal injuries to the student.
Students do not normally receive a salary or wage for the hours stated on their Work Education Agreement as this is an education program in which students earn credits. Students, however, are permitted to receive an honorarium or an expense and/or transportation allowance from their placement.
If students stay at their placement beyond the hours specified on the Work Education Form, they may be hired as employees and paid. Such an arrangement shall not involve the school or the teacher. If students are eligible to be paid, the placement is then responsible for all the insurance and other responsibilities associated as an employer.
Interested in hosting a Co-op student?
Our program would not be possible without our amazing community partners. If you would like more information, please contact sonya.kim@yrdsb.ca.