Cooperative Education is an educational program that integrates classroom theory with practical experience in the workplace. The program reinforces and expands upon a subject area that the student wishes to explore as a possible future career. It will allow the student to acquire first-hand experience with professionals in our community and the most up-to-date equipment in use today. 

This program assists students bound for university, college, apprenticeship or the workplace. Please note that (2) co-op credits can be counted toward your compulsory credits.

Requirements for Admission:

• 1. Must take a related subject course concurrently or prior to co-op.

• 2. Must have the commitment and maturity to handle the curriculum as well as the experiential learning.

• 3. Must complete a co-op application with two teacher references, and permission of parent/guardian.

• 4. Submit application to the Community Based Education teacher who will arrange an interview.

• 5. Must have a history of good attendance and work habits.

How to Apply for Co-op

• 1. Select the appropriate Co-op code in My Pathway Planner (see codes below)

• 2. After Course Selection closes, Co-op will reach out to your GAPPs account with next steps and 2 Teacher Reference forms.  You will be directed on how to submit.  

• 3. All students will be interviewed in April or May to determine your work experience area of interest. 

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Cooperative Education - Gr. 11/12 - 2 credits

COP3X# / COP4X#

A Cooperative Education student will earn two Co-op credits for work experience in any placement opportunity. Student’s who have the educational background, demonstrate responsibility, motivation, commitment, and the willingness to learn in an adult workplace environment will be considered for entry into the program. Work placements are dependent upon the skills, strengths, academic backgrounds, attitudes, and work ethics of individual students. Possibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Business (Accounting, Law, Human Resources, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Administration)

• Communications Technology (Computer Graphics/Programming/Technician, Web Design, Animation)

• Social Sciences (Teaching, Social Work, Recreational Services, Nutritionist) 

• Science (Medicine, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Veterinarian, Dentistry)

• Media Arts (Journalism, Fashion Design, Television/Radio Productions)

CREDIT: 2

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Cooperative Education – Gr. 11/12 - 4 credits

COP4X4

In order to enrol in a four credit Co-op experience, students must choose two course codes (COP4X4 and COP4X5). This co-op opportunity is available for students who would like to earn four high school credits while exploring a work placement of their interest and completing the academic in-school portion. While working, students will be able to observe the entire daily routines of their placement and gain valuable career information to assist them with their post secondary school choices.

This four credit option also includes the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).

An OYAP student earns four Co-op credits for work experience in an apprentice able occupation. Students accumulate workplace hours that count towards both secondary school co-op credits and level 1 requirements for an apprenticeship program. To participate in OYAP, students must be at least 16 years old and have accumulated a minimum of 16 credits towards their OSSD. This program provides opportunities in both regulated and non-regulated trades in the following sectors:

• Motive Power (Brake Technician, Auto Body Repairer, Automotive Service Technician)

• Service (Baker, Child and Youth Worker, Early Childhood Educator, Hairstylist, Cook)

• Construction (Brick and Stone Mason, Electrician, Drywall Finisher, Painter and Decorator, Plumber)

• Industrial (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Draftsperson, Welder, Machinist, Millwright)

More on OYAP.

This four credit Co-op option also includes the Military Co-op experience. Students will complete the Canadian Armed Forces application process, train at the Aurora or the Toronto Armoury and will gain their Basic Military Qualifications and Soldier Qualifications upon successful completion.

Application forms, teacher references, and an interview are required for all of the above four credit Co-op experiences. The type of Co-op placement will be discussed during the Co-op interview.

COURSE NOTE: For a four credit Co-op experience, students must choose BOTH COP3X# and COP4X#

CREDIT: 4

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See also information on SUMMER CO-OP - this is a competitive program that begins on weekends prior to the summer Break.  Information regarding Summer Co-op will be provided to students late February.  Fills up fast - watch for this posting in Google Classroom.  

There are 2 Summer Co-op programs: 

2 Credit co-op - Application Due late March

1 Credit co-op - Application Due early June

Students should budget at least 3 – 4 days in advance of the application deadline in order to obtain the necessary teacher references, additional documents, and approvals needed for their application package.  Please watch for messages from Guidance late February.

Students with completed applications will be contacted to inform them of the time, date, and location of their interview.

SHSM students interested in the “SHSM Mackenzie Health Summer Co-op Program” should also consider applying for the 2 credit summer co-op as a second option.

We encourage students interested in Summer Co-op to consider taking the program in their home school during the day for a deeper, richer and longer experience. However, we recognize that many students are unable to fit co-op into their timetable due to a variety of reasons, including additional program requirements. Students that would not otherwise have the co-op opportunity available to them during their school year, are encouraged to consider this alternative option.