Cooperative Education

What is Cooperative Education (Co-op)?

• Cooperative Education is a ministry-approved 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 cooperative education teacher, a related curriculum course in any subject 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 and must follow Ministry of Education policy and guidelines.

Who is it for?

Co-op programs are for secondary students who are heading for apprenticeship, college, university or the workplace.

Students have the opportunity to:

• Experience hands-on learning
• "Test-drive" career options
• See the relevance of their classroom learning
• Develop the essential skills and habits required in the workplace
• Gain valuable work experience that will help build a resumé for postsecondary programs and future employment.

All employers interested in taking on a co-op student can contact the principal of your local high school.