Co-op Program

Co-operative education (co-op) supports all students in developing the competencies and skills necessary to successfully engage in a wide range of education and career pathways. Co-op focuses on high quality learning and delivery through an experiential lens. It allows students to make deep connections to theory and classroom learning by applying concepts and knowledge in authentic workplace settings.

Prior to engaging in workplace experiences, students must meet pre-placement curriculum outcomes associated with career exploration, workplace expectations and legislation, including risk management and safety. Co-op students will complete an 80 hour workplace where they can develop transferable skills, explore the importance of workplace resilience and flexibility, and benefit from mentorship in real world scenarios.

The community placement is carefully designed for each student through cooperation between the student, school, parent/guardian and placement supervisor. The community placement is monitored on a regular basis and carefully evaluated making use of the student’s learning plan and a supervisor evaluation.

Student co-op placements will begin once their pre-placement work is complete and they demonstrate workplace readiness; usually by the end of October/March Break. Students are expected to attend work placements one day per week, and for consistency schedule their placements the same day each week. After students are placed they will attend co-op class once a week for weekly reflective practices and ongoing career awareness instruction. This means students will have three study blocks during their other co-op periods of the week. Therefore, students will have the required time to complete missed work from their other three classes when they are at their placement.

Students may obtain more than one credit in Co-operative Education. Co-operative Education is open to all students whether they are proceeding to University, Community College or work. Students who have a specific occupational interest and who are considering Community College for post secondary education will benefit greatly from the experience. By combining Co-operative Education with occupational related courses, the student can better prepare for work and / or enrollment in Community College or Apprenticeship Training. Co-op Education hours in a specific trade can be credited towards Youth Apprenticeship hours once a student is registered as a Youth Apprenticeship in that trade. Go to www.workitns.ca for more information.