Co-operative Education

Co-op is a 2 credit or 4 credit course (half day or full day) that many students take in grade 11 or 12. Instead of being at school, students can complete high school credits at various workplaces. Placements are driven by student interest and the co-op teacher helps with the job-search process. In co-op, students will gain work experience, apply their skills, and make valuable connections outside of Humberside CI.

Many students take co-op in order to gain experience and make connections in a specific field. Some students look forward to the opportunity to go out to a workplace and apply their learning outside of school. Others take co-op because they are not sure what they want to do, and co-op gives them an opportunity to explore a potential career field. 

You are a good fit for co-op if you have good attendance and are responsible. Co-op is a great idea for any student, whether you are bound for the workplace, apprenticeship, college, or university!

Students are placed into a large variety of co-op placements based on their interests. There are some limitations due to safety concerns or age, but in general, if there is a willing supervisor in a business or organization, it is possible to place a student. 

If you are interested in the trades, there are many construction or trades-related 4 credit central programs. Planning in the previous school year is recommended/needed if you are interested in these 4 credit central programs.  Explore trades-related central programs by looking at the OYAP site here.

When a student is placed in a trade, they are automatically made part of the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. OYAP is only available to students enrolled in co-op at a high school. The biggest advantage of OYAP is that students will start accumulating hours toward a specific trade while they are in high school. 

• Motive Trades (automotive tech, autobody repair, heavy engine, etc)

• Construction Trades (plumbing, HVAC, electrician, stone mason, carpenter, etc)

• Service Trades (culinary, baking, hairdressing, Child and Youth Worker, etc)

• Industrial Trades (millwright, tool & die, welding, machinist, etc)

During course selection (early February), select 2 credit or 4 credit co-op. If you do this, you will be contacted in May or June so that you can indicate your areas of interest to the Co-op Department. 

If you did not select co-op during course selection, you may want to approach a co-op teacher (Library back office) or speak to your guidance counsellor to see if there is space in the co-op program.