Program Information
How Does Co-op Work?
The co-op program is very individualized once students start their placements but the general structure follows the thee components below.
Pre-Placement
For the first part of the course (roughly 2 - 2.5 weeks) Students will explore relevant topics connected to Health, Safety and Well-Being related to their industry. To start, students will be working on elements important to the application process such as Resume, Cover Letters and Interviews. Students will explore legislation and workers rights to be prepared to enter the workplace in a safe and effective way. Overall students will prepare for going to work so they are free to explore and experience this opportunity fully.
Placement Component
Students spend time in their workplace developing relevant skills and knowledge of their chosen industry. A students work day at their placement will usually reflect the time they would be class. Students will work with their staff team and supervisor as mentors to guide them through this experience. Working to develop various hard and soft skills while completing reflective activities will support learning this these opportunities.
Integration
Throughout the semester, students return to class a couple of times for integration activities. Students participate in reflective activities and assignments during integration sessions. Students will have the opportunity to hear from their peers about their experiences while reflecting on their own. Students will also participate in focused and consistent goal setting throughout the program to support with growth and next steps .
Types of Placements
In Person Placement
Going to a business or workplace and being fully immersed in the environment. You would be working with different people in the space they spend their time. You will be able to see how the company functions and be part of the in person teams.
Some Examples
Daycare/School Setting
Auto or Manufacturing Shops/Plants
Construction sites
Restaurants
Hospitals/Clincs
Barns
Business Offices (Real-estate, Insurance, Computer Tech, Non-Profit, etc)
Virtural Placement
Connecting with a Workplace Virtually. Being part of team and one-on-one meetings about how the company functions and completing different tasks. You could work in groups with many employees or on your own focused on a designated task/projects.
Some Examples
Graphic Designer
Data Analysis
Social Media Support
Virtual Teachers Assistant
Program Developer
Research Based Project Co-op
Blended Placement
Balance of Face-to-Face and Virtual learning space. You could go into a workplace a few days a week and then be provided projects to work on virtually with/for your team. This may also require you to connect with other people in the industry in some capacity.
Some Examples
Video Editing
Real Estate
Website Design
Charity Organizations
Photographer
Event Planner
Research Based Project Co-op
How to Find an Employer
One of the most common questions I get at the start of co-op is how do I find an employer?
The first place to look in your social circle. Networking is an important skill in the world of work and using your social or familial network to see what connections are there is a great first option. Talk to people in your life , do they know someone who works in the industry you want to get into?
There are also great employers and connections your co-op teacher can provide you during pre-placement. There are specific jobs that are available to the whole school board that have application processes that need to be followed. There are also connections your teacher has made in the local community.
There is also research and cold calling. This is a part of the pre-placement work we do before starting placement. Developing the skill of researching and inquiring about possible connections is huge as a future young worker. This experience will help you to learn what employers in your industries of interest are around you.
The Experiential Learning Cycle
The Experiential Learning Cycle is a key part of the co-op program. Throughout students experiences in their work place they are involved in necessary phases of this cycle.
Participate in a learning experience connected to a community
Reflect on the experience in order to derive meaning from it
Apply learning to influence their decisions and actions in various aspects of their lives.
