WHAT IS CO-OP?

Co-operative Education is a program that offers students the opportunity to extend classroom learning into supervised learning experiences in the community. The program combine a work placement along with a classroom component.

Students can earn secondary school credits, which are related to specific subjects in school.

For example, a student who is currently taking or has completed TTA4C2, an automotive course, can transfer the skills gained through this course into an automotive placement.

Students can earn two or four credits. The working hour requirement to earn credits is 100 hours per credit.

WHY TAKE CO-OP?

Explore a career field that interests you

Help you choose a future area of study

Improve your qualifications and skills

Build a better resume for future job

Enhance your portfolio for an apprenticeship, college or university

Network and develop references

Earn credits towards your high school diploma

HOW DOES CO-OP WORK?

Co-op students take part in both in-school (approximately 30 hours of classroom time) and out-of-school components (approximately 100 hours per co-op credit). 

The in-school component requires pre-placement classes covering topics such as resumes, interview skills, health and safety in the workplace, and employment legislation. Throughout the semester there will be periodic classes covering other employment related topics. Assignments are to be completed throughout the year including an end of year culminating project.  

The out-of-school component is the placement experience.

Two or four credit co-op options are available.

Students attend their work placements during the periods scheduled on their timetables instead of being at school.

POTENTIAL PLACEMENTS

Students can choose from a broad range of practical, hands-on co-op opportunities in a variety of sectors in the community that best suit their needs and interests, including:

• retail, marketing, design

• arts, media

• business, technology

• health, education, civil services

• food services

• skilled trades

• many more!

TYPICAL CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION SEMESTER SCHEDULE