Co-operative Education
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Department of Education Document
Millwood High is one of several metro area high schools offering a credit in co-operative education. Each school's program is unique, with its own focus, while at the same time similar in that students earn a high school credit for the work they do in the community as part of the Co-op course.
Co-operative Education is a career oriented instructional program designed to integrate classroom theory with practical experience in the workplace. It is a mode of experiential learning that combines the coordinated resources of the school and the community. Partnerships with the community are established so that in addition to regular classes, students participate in a work placement relating to their course of studies. Students planning to attend university, community college, or those planning on employment directly after high school will find Co-op extremely beneficial in assisting them with career decisions. At Millwood High, the students are generally from the grade 11 or 12 population. They select a career area in which they are interested in exploring. They receive a high school credit for their involvement in the course. The Co-op program has two components, one, in school, and the other at the work place. The in school component requires the student to attend and participate in approximately twenty-five hours of instruction and study time. Students learn career decision making skills, job search strategies and are exposed to present issues in employment. The out-of-school component requires the student to complete one hundred hours at the workplace. Students will be available to work two days a week, approximately five hours each afternoon or morning. Times in the evenings, on weekends, or during holidays may also be scheduled. One day per week is spent in the classroom where reflective learning takes place. There is no payment involved and the training agreement clearly states that the Co-op students will not displace any present employee or affect assigned hours or hiring plans. The students are expected to observe and participate where appropriate under the direction of a co-worker and supervisor. The employer, along with the co-op instructor, provides supervision and assistance for the students as they explore the career area and develop their employment skills. The student placement is supported by a training profile designed by the co-op coordinator and the employer. The student, parent, and employer enter a contract outlining the general responsibilities of all parties and confirming the provision of risk insurance by the employer.
Monitoring of the placement is done by the Co-op coordinator on a regular basis. Conferences with the student and the student's supervisor, visits to the work place, and student logs and journal writing are all parts of this process.
The success of the Millwood High Co-op program will result in students exploring a large variety of career areas and will greatly enhance their ability to make informed career decisions. New community co-operators are continually being established. Co-operative education provides an enriching experience for our students and the co-operators who become involved with the program. Co-operation, commitment, and community make this possible.
For more information,
Email:
141 Millwood Drive, Lr. Sackville, N.S. B4E 0A1
Ph: (902) 864-7535 | Fx: (902) 864-7567