The Co-operative Education Program (Co-op) allows students to earn credits by integrating course curriculum with experiential (hands on) learning at a work placement.

The knowledge and skills of the in-school course are applied in a practical work environment. Such experiences assist students in preparing for future careers and making successful transitions to post-secondary education, apprenticeship programs, or to the workplace. Co-operative Education is for students in ALL pathways and destinations.

What are the Benefits of the Co-op Program for Students?

Through Co-op you will have the opportunity to:

• Pursue a work placement in a field of interest
• Use knowledge and skills from your classroom in the workplace
• Earn high school credits through work experience
• Try out different career options
• Earn valuable work experience for your resume
• Make connections with employers
• Learn new practical skills
• Build/enhance your resume for University/College/Workplace applications
• Start an Apprenticeship and enroll in OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program) https://oyap.com/
• Consider taking Dual Credit courses through local colleges – Humber, Sheridan, George Brown, Seneca. Earn both a college and high school credit https://www3.dpcdsb.org/programs-services/secondary/dual-credits
• You can take a 2 or 4 credit coop opportunity.
• Explore some of our Centralized placements as Peel Police, Canadian Armed Forces, and Trillium Health Partners

How does Co-op work?

Co-op is divided into three components:

1. Pre-placement Orientation

2. Integration classes

3. Placement

IN SCHOOL Component

1. Pre-placement Orientation

Prior to their placements, all cooperative education students must demonstrate an understanding of a variety of topics such as: workplace health and safety; Employment Standards Act (ESA), Workers rights, resume, cover letter and interview skills development, career exploration and research.

2. Integration Classes

The integration portion of the classroom component involves sessions with students that are held at various times throughout the course and following the placement and is designed to provide students with an opportunity to: relate placement experience with curriculum expectations; reflect and analyse their placement experiences; and reinforce job-skills theory.

OUT OF SCHOOL Component

Placement

Students attend a learning placement in the workforce where they learn valuable skills and knowledge about a specific career. Students are provided with sufficient time and opportunity in a given placement for satisfactory skill development, career exploration, and personal growth.

How do I get started?

Students who are currently in grade 10 or 11 may want to consider Co-operative Education as one of their course choices for the upcoming school year.

When course selection begins students can select the 2 credit or 4 credit option. Students who are interested in the possibility of joining the Co-op Program should:

speak with their counselor and coop teacher to determine if co-op is a suitable option at this time select 2 or 4 credit Co-op package during the course selection process.

NOTE: some Speciality Programs (Accelerated OYAP Level 1) and Centralized Placements will require early submission of Application and possible interview the Semester prior to the coop placement. These programs require some prior planning and scheduling

FAQS

1. Can I take co-op in grade 11 and 12?

Yes. You can take co-op both years as long as you are meeting your graduation requirements. Please check with your guidance counselor and a co-op teacher for more information.

2. What if I want to become an apprentice or enter the Skilled Trades?

Perfect! Decide on the apprenticeship you would like to pursue. During the co-op interview make sure to discuss all your options with your co-op teacher. Once you begin your placement, your co-op teacher will enroll you in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and your co-op hours can count toward your apprenticeship hours.

3. Where will I work during my placement?

There are many options to explore. Make sure that you come to your co-op interview with some ideas of what are your interests, skills and experiences. Also indicate what courses and extra-curricular involvement you like and are engaged in.

If you have contacts in your area of interest, please bring that information with you to discuss with your co-op teacher.

4. What are the academic & non-academic requirements for co-op?

Be 16 years old or have 16 completed courses. Make sure you are meeting your graduation requirements. Take courses in your interest area. Know your interests from your work, volunteer, school or personal experience. Also the student must have a certain maturity level and sense of independence and readiness.

5. Can I have a job after my co-op placement?

There is no guarantee. However, it does happen that employers offer our students parttime, summer and full-time jobs following their placements.

6.Are there any expenses that I need to plan for?

You are responsible for transportation costs to/from your placement. You may need to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as steel-toe boots.