Cooperative Education

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

The Co-op Program is planned learning experiences that take place in the community and provide students who are enrolled in courses of all types and in all disciplines with the opportunity to enhance their school programs. Cooperative Education and Experiential Learning is a joint venture between the school and the community which provides learning experiences beyond the classroom. Cooperative Education courses include a classroom component, comprised of pre-placement and integration activities, and a placement component. Students earn Cooperative Education credits by integrating classroom theory with planned learning experiences in the community to achieve learning based on the curriculum expectations of the related course. Two or four credit options are available. 

Placements provide students with challenging opportunities to apply and extend their knowledge, and practice/refine skills acquired in the related course, and to demonstrate achievement of placement expectations that reflect current workplace practices and standards.

Students will be evaluated on their performance at the placement, weekly logs and journals, pre-employment orientation, in-school assignments, culminating activities and the teacher’s observation and anecdotal monitoring reports. Why take Co-op:

• Encourages students to develop skills, knowledge and attitudes required for employment

• Helps students identify their capabilities and limitations

• Develops interpersonal skills

• Provides an awareness of job opportunities and the experience to make informed career decisions

• Allows students to try a career before committing to a costly college or university program

• Provides practical experience in a contemporary workplace setting

• Develops a recognition of the need for flexibility and life-long learning in a changing workplace

ONTARIO YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM 

Based on previous courses taken, part time or summer employment experiences and personal interest, a student enrolled in cooperative education may wish to consider a placement in a “skilled trades” area. As “OYAP Participants,” these students will work in a skilled trade environment where they can determine their suitability for continuing in the trade. All participants must have completed 16 credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and be enrolled as a part-time or full time student. Students in the “compulsory trades” must also be registered with the Ministry of Labour, Training & Skills Development. OYAP participants’ placement hours are documented and count toward the required apprenticeship hours, if the student pursues full certification. Some students may get signed on as an apprentice, toward the end, or after completing their co-op. 

DUAL CREDITS - LOYALIST COLLEGE 

Dual credit opportunities in the trades are available each semester. The Hastings Prince Edward School Board, in conjunction with Loyalist College, offer programs that students take simultaneously with their co-op, which allows them to also earn a college credit. Students learn theory and gain practical skill experiences by attending Loyalist College 1-2 days per week in their chosen field, and are at their co-op placements the remaining days. Each year a selected course is offered online.

Dual credit programs vary year to year - recent offerings have included: 

 • Child & Youth Worker • Early Childhood Education 

• Culinary Techniques • Machine Maintenance 

• Music as a Change Agent • Health & Wellness • Building Renovation Construction Techniques 

SHSM - SPECIALISTS HIGH SKILLS MAJOR 

Students who are in the Specialist High Skills Major Programs for either “Health & Wellness”,  “Arts & Culture”, or  "Hospitality & Tourism" are required to complete a Co-operative Education Course. There are many opportunities available to support a variety of career interests. The placement hours can be flexible to include evening and weekends to maximize the placement experience. Return to Contents 30 CO-OP &OYAP • Child & Youth Worker • Early Childhood Education • Culinary Techniques • Machine Maintenance