The Cooperative education (Co-op) program provides Grade 11 and 12 students with the opportunity to earn High School credits through the completion of a semester-long unpaid work placement.
Co-op programs are designed to meet your individual career goals, strengths, interests, and learning styles, preparing you with the knowledge, skills, and workplace experience needed to be successful in the future.
A work placement
A Co-op teacher supervisor
A related High School course
All Grade 11 and 12 students are eligible to participate in the program.
Participating in a Co-op program is free. However, you will not be paid for the work you complete. You will receive academic credit for the placement. Depending on the location of you Co-op, you may have to budget for travel costs.
Through Co-op you will have the opportunity to:
Pursue a work placement in a field of interest
Use knowledge and skills from your classroom in the workplace
Earn high school credits through work experience
Try out different career options
Earn valuable work experience for your resume
Make connections with employers
Learn new practical skills
Build your resume for university/college applications
When searching for a work placement, it is important that you search in a field that interests you. Your placement should give you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, develop essential skills, and make meaningful connections.
All Ontario school boards offer the Cooperative Education program. Any Grade 11 and 12 student interested in a Co-op can contact their high school’s principal, guidance counsellor or Co-op department. You can also contact the Student Success Leader in your school board.
There are a number of pathways to apprenticeship. Click the links below to learn more:
http://www.skillsontario.com/pathways-to-apprenticeship