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Garth Webb
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what is cooperative education?
what is cooperative education?
Cooperative Education (Co-op) offers secondary students meaningful hands-on learning opportunities, enabling them to apply, enhance, and expand on what they've learned in the classroom through real-world experiences in the community. Through Co-op, students can earn high school credits while participating in a community-based work placement. The program begins with in-school pre-placement instruction to prepare students for their upcoming experiences. Working closely with a Co-op teacher, students select placements that reflect their interests and strengths. Throughout the placement, students are supported and evaluated by their Co-op teacher, while receiving ongoing feedback from their workplace supervisor or employer.
THE EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING CYCLE
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.
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
Participate in a learning experience connected to a community
Reflect on the experience in order to derive meaning from it
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.
Apply learning to influence their decisions and actions in various aspects of their lives.
Meet The Team
I am very lucky to be involved in Co-operative Education because I truly believe in the value it brings to students. Co-op gives ALL students in ALL pathways a chance to step outside the classroom and gain real-world experience all while earning credits and building valuable skills. It is a unique opportunity, unlike any other high school course, and is a good fit for students whether they are planning to attend a post-secondary institution or plan to pursue an apprenticeship.
It's amazing to watch students discover what they're passionate about, grow their confidence, connect with professionals in the community, and take important steps towards their goals.
As a Co-operative Education and Technology teacher, I’m passionate about helping students gain real-world experience and explore pathways in the skilled trades and beyond. Co-op is a powerful way for students to apply their learning, develop hands-on skills, and connect with mentors in their field of interest. It’s especially rewarding to see students discover opportunities in the trades, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward their future careers. Supporting students as they grow through experiential learning is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
FOR MORE IN DEPTH DETAILS ABOUT THE CO-OP PROGRAM, CHECK THE PROGRAM INFORMATION PAGE
Why Consider Co-op For Your Student?
Why Consider Co-op For Your Student?
Co-op is a course for Grade 11 and 12 students that provides the opportunity to earn high school credits while getting experience in a professional setting. Students have the opportunity to develop transferable skills and gain experience in a field related to their area of interest. Co-op is a great option for students in every post-secondary pathway (apprenticeship, college, community, university, work).
NOTE: A minimum of 2 co-op credits are required components for Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship (OYAP) programs. OYAP-FAST requires the completion of a minimum of 8 co-op credits.
What can co-op offer students?
What can co-op offer students?
Two or more credits toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
A competitive advantage when applying to future employment opportunities
Valuable mentor relationships and networking opportunities
Post-secondary supplementary application experience
The opportunity to explore advanced career interests while in high school
Sector specific knowledge and skill development
Job readiness skills and experience
Where can students work and how do they get there?
Where can students work and how do they get there?
Workplaces with employers that are open to having high school co-op students join their team
Any environment that provides a safe, educational and supportive opportunity for learning is suitable for co-op
Workplaces that are accessible with transportation that must be secured by the student/family
What does co-op look like within a student's semester?
What does co-op look like within a student's semester?
The co-op program is either scheduled as:
2 credits in the morning OR afternoon where students will be working for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours daily
OR
a full-day placement (4 credits) where students will be working for approx 5 to 6 hours daily
NOTE: SHSM and OYAP students may also choose to complete their required co-op credits through night school or summer school offered at Gary Allan Learning Centre
HOW DOES A STUDENT FIND AN EMPLOYER?
The entire co-op experience is approached as a learning journey, starting with how to market yourself and apply for your dream placement
While students typically search for and select their preferred co-op placement, teachers are available to assist and place students who may be struggling to decide on or secure an appropriate opportunity
Can a co-op placement be virtual?
Can a co-op placement be virtual?
The HDSB has guidelines specific to virtual placements for both students and employers
The co-op teacher will review these guidelines with relevant students/employers
Companies must follow the Ontario Employment Standards Act even when acting as a virtual employer
HOW DOES A STUDENT SELECT CO-OP FOR THEIR GR 11 OR 12 SCHOOL YEAR
Students select COP 3O8 or COP 4O8 through their school’s annual course selection process in myBlueprint
Schools will direct students as to which co-op they should select
interested in signing up
for Co-op?
interested in signing up
for Co-op?
Connect with your Guidance Counsellor to discuss how
co-op can fit into your timetable!
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