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how does co-op work?
how does co-op work?
The co-op program is very individualized once students start their placements but the general structure follows the three 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.
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
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.
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 .
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
types of placements
in person
in person
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)
virtual
virtual
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
blended
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 your ideal placement
how to find your ideal placement
START YOUR SEARCH EARLY!!!
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.
I'M ENROLLED IN CO-OP! i HAVE QUESTIONS...
I'M ENROLLED IN CO-OP! i HAVE QUESTIONS...
WHAT COMPONENTS OF THE CO-OP PROGRAM PROMOTE STUDENT SAFETY?
An initial general safety walk through is completed by the co-op teacher
All site-specific safety training must be completed during the onboarding process by the employer
Paperwork is completed to document the placement details
Students, employers and teachers have regular communication, including site visits throughout the placement
Are students covered by insurance?
Are students covered by insurance?
Students need to be covered by WSIB; this is secured through the completion of a Work Education Agreement (WEA). Typically students are unpaid and covered by WSIB through the Ministry of Education.
If a student is paid (special circumstances/program), WSIB is covered by the employer
Any student injuries must be reported to the direct supervisor and teacher immediately
HOW IS THE STUDENT'S ATTENANCE TRACKED WHILE AT PLACEMENT?
Students will be asked to report on their hours at regular intervals (typically weekly) throughout the semester through a process determined by their teacher
Co-op teachers will also complete daily attendance for their co-op students
HOW IS MY STUDENT BEING EVALUATED IN CO-OP?
In addition to hours worked and supervisor feedback, students will be given tasks to complete throughout the semester such as reflections, assignments, discussions, and a Learning Plan/Term Portfolio where students provide evidence of their learning
There are required assignments during the term and a culminating series of final performance tasks
HOW WILL I KNOW HOW MY STUDENT IS PROGRESSING AT THEIR PLACEMENT?
Students will be encouraged to share their daily activities at their placement with their parent/guardian, in addition to the regular updates provided by the co-op teacher
At any time, parents/ and guardians are encouraged to reach out to their student’s co-op teacher for a progress update
WHAT IF THINGS DON'T WORK OUT FOR THE STUDENT AT THE PLACEMENT?
It is very rare that a placement doesn’t work out; but if this should happen, the teacher will try to address any barriers to success and turn it into a positive learning opportunity for the student
However; the co-op placement can be ended at any point by the employer, student or teacher if necessary
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