Cooperative Education

About

Co-operative (Co-op) education is a program that allows students to earn secondary school credits while completing a work placement. The program consists of a Co-op course monitored by a Co-operative Education teacher, a related curriculum course and a work placement.

Students can apply two Co-op credits towards their compulsory high school graduation requirements, with no limit on earning optional Co-op credits.

Co-op placements are arranged for students by their secondary school’s Cooperative education teacher. Contact a Guidance Counselor for more information.


What are the benefits of Co-op?

  • Be enrolled in high school while observing the world of work.
  • See the relevance of classroom learning.
  • Earn credits through workplace experience.
  • Observe and develop workplace essential skills for apprenticeship and employment.
  • Obtain a broader range of career information through observation.
  • Observe and be instructed in health and safety procedures in the workplace.
  • Experience the world of work through hands-on learning.
  • Explore career options.
  • Learn more about yourself and work in a specific occupation.
  • Make an informed choice of secondary courses toward a future career.
  • Gain valuable work experience that will help build a resume for post-secondary programs and future employment.

“It’s easy to get lost in everything, but Co-op gave me the direction I needed,” said a Grand Erie Co-op student.

“My Co-op placement assisted me with making future career plans because it has taught me a lot about myself and what I enjoy doing in the workplace.”


Who is Co-op for?

Co-op programs are typically for senior students in grade 11 or 12 moving towards an apprenticeship, college, university or workplace destination.

Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning activities vary in length and commitment from both the student and the employer or community placement.

Experiential learning provides our high school students with a number of beneficial opportunities.

  • Job Shadowing allows a student to spend time observing a worker in a specific occupation (e.g. Take Our Kids To Work Day)
  • Job Twinning allows a student to observe a co-operative education student in his or her placement.
  • Work Experience allows a student to obtain actual experience in the work evironment.
  • Co-operative Education (Co-op) courses combine classroom learning with planned work experience within the local community.

The Co-op program is the most common type of Experiential Learning and students can take Co-op as part of their school experience.

Students may also use Co-op credits towards programs such as the  Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) or the  Specialist High Skills Major Program (SHSM)


My Safety Hub

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