COURSE OUTLINE

  • This course prepares students to make successful transitions to postsecondary work and education or training.

  • Students will explore the realities and opportunities of modern workplaces, while refining their employability skills and learning how to manage their careers.

  • Students will begin to implement an action plan for postsecondary success.

Course Content

  • A student’s cooperative education program comprises a cooperative education course and the related curriculum course (or courses). The cooperative education course combines a classroom component and a placement component. Through these two components, the cooperative education course prepares the student for successful participation in a work placement; provides sufficient time and various opportunities at the placement to enable the student to apply and further develop the knowledge and skills acquired in the related course; and provides opportunities for the student to integrate the learning acquired in school and at the placement.

  • The classroom component is based on PREPLACEMENT sessions prior to attending a placement in the community, and reflective sessions (called integration sessions) throughout the semester. The pre-placement sessions will include job readiness, health & safety training, issues related to confidentiality, work ethics, Employment Standards Act, the role of unions, etc.

  • Note: Students who have earned cooperative education credits in the past (Level 2 Co-op students) are still required to prepare for new placements through the pre-placement orientation sessions or a pre-placement assignment. Such reinforcement of job-readiness knowledge and skills is particularly valuable for students who are planning to apply for full-time employment or for limited-enrolment programs at postsecondary institutions. Be sure to discuss in-class requirements with your teacher to ensure that you are meeting all expectations of the program.

  • The placement component, which consists of a full-semester, half-day or full-day work placement in the community, relies on a "Personalized Placement Learning Plan" to outline the practical application of the related course at a placement in the community. Co-op hours cannot be counted towards the 40 hour Community Involvement graduation requirement.

  • Liability insurance and Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage is in place for all Cooperative Education students (except those working in schools). Students are strongly encouraged to consider purchasing the student accident insurance package that is offered for students and families.

  • Students have the potential to earn an additional credit at their placement. This requires 110 extra hours and an additional project; students wishing to do this must discuss this option with their teacher at the beginning of the semester.

Attendance and Punctuality

  • Attendance is closely monitored both for the school and placement portion of this course. Students repeatedly missing either portion will jeopardize this credit and risk being removed from the program. (See the attached page to clarify the number of hours required).

  • Students can be fired from placement for poor attendance as well as for other behaviour concerns, including cell phone use during assigned work time. Students who are fired must complete a “Restorative Toolkit: reflections on what went wrong” assignment prior to starting any new placement. Fired students are responsible for securing a new co-op placement.

In-class Assignments and Reflections

  • During In-class or Integration days, lessons and assignments will be completed. Assignments will be checked and are expected to be completed on- time as a required component of this course. Most work is able to be completed in-class, which makes regular attendance very important.

Course Expectations

  • Communication is the cornerstone of success. Communicate with your teacher and co-op supervisor if you have any questions or concerns. Show respect to these people as well as your classmates; if you show that respect, you will receive it in return.

  • Organization Be prepared. Have all required materials with you both in and out of school. Make sure you have a calendar/agenda to keep track of when you are to be in school and at your placement. Transportation is your responsibility. Please ensure you have arrangements made to get to and from your placement each and every day. Keep track of all assignment due dates as we do not see you every day once you are at placement. Log your hours online and submit to your supervisor.

  • Opportunity Take the initiative. The more you put into your Co-op experience, the more you will get from it. This is a great opportunity to discover your career interests, build your resume and network with people.

  • Punctuality & Attendance Excellent attendance and punctuality are vital for your success. Students have been fired by employers for failure to show up at their work placement. If you miss a day, you may need to make up the day(s) later in the semester. Repeated absences may result in dismissal from the program.

Attendance Policy

  • Note: this is a minimum, students are encouraged to experience all the placement has to offer which may increase the hours spent at the placement in case of absence. (Extra hours outside those stated on the WEA must first be approved to ensure WSIB coverage.) Failure to reach the minimum requirement could jeopardize the number of co-op credits you receive.

    • Travel time is not included in the calculation of hours.

    • Attendance both in school and the workplace is critical to the success of the Cooperative Education Program. Neither the school nor the employer will tolerate absences that are not fully justified. The following attendance policy and general procedures will be in effect for all Cooperative Education Programs.

In order to participate and remain enrolled in this Cooperative Education course you agree to:

1. Attend All Classes

Medical, legal and bereavement related absences are excused provided you make up the time/work at a later date. (Note: documentation may be required)

2. Attend Regularly At The Workplace

Medical, legal and bereavement related absences are excused provided you make up the time/work at a later date. (Note: documentation may be required)

3. Log your hours at placement using Hour Republic

Keep up-to-date records of your time at placement and submit them to your supervisor for approval.

4. Report All Absences To The Following People:

  1. Your employer - ____________________

  2. Bear Creek attendance – 705-725-7712 ext. 0

  3. Your Co-op teacher – 705-725-7712 ext. ______

NOTE: SUPERVISORS MUST BE NOTIFIED WELL IN ADVANCE REGARDING ABSENCES - including calling in on Snow Days if unable to travel safely to placement.

FAILURE TO REPORT ABSENCES MAY RESULT IN DISMISSAL FROM THE COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM.

I have read and I agree to follow the rules as listed above.

X Student Signature: ______________________________________ Place this course outline at the front of your binder for reference

X Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________ Date: ____________________