overview

WHAT IS COOPERATIVE EDUCATION?

Cooperative Education is a unique program for students integrating academic study with practical work experience. This learning experience helps students make informed decisions about future careers. Students also develop the work habits, attitudes and job skills necessary for a successful transition from secondary school to the workplace or post-secondary education.

WHY TAKE CO-OP?

• Explore a career field that interests you

• Help you choose a future area of study

• Improve your qualifications and skills

• Build a better resume for future jobs

• Enhance your portfolio for college or university

• Network and develop references

• Earn credits towards your high school diploma

WHAT TYPES OF PLACEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?

You may choose a Co-op placement related to different career fields. Some examples include:

• ART (retail store, school, animation, architecture, interior design, art administration)

• HEALTH CARE (hospital, vet clinic, pharmacy, optometrist, physiotherapist, dental)

• BUSINESS STUDIES (accounting, finance, marketing, computers (programming, web design))

• ENGLISH (journalism, media studies)

• FAMILY STUDIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

  • Fashion (retail store)

  • Food and Nutrition (restaurant, bakery)

  • Parenting (daycare, primary school)

  • Psychology (seniors’ retirement home, academic research)

• GEOGRAPHY (travel and tourism)

• HISTORY/LAW (law, political office)

• MUSIC (retail store)

• PHYSICAL EDUCATION (teacher assistant, physiotherapy)

• TECHNOLOGICAL STUDIES

  • Automotive Technology (automotive repair)

  • Construction Technology (plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, electrician, home renovations)

  • Communications Technology (animation, web design, architecture)

Note: Not all of the above career fields are available each year. Other career fields are possible depending on placement availability and suitability.

co-curricular connections

SPECIALIST HIGH SKILLS MAJOR (SHSM)

Some Co-op students are also enrolled in the SHSM program. Northern has three SHSM programs: 1. Arts and Culture; Design 2. Engineering, and Manufacturing (DEM); 3. Health and Wellness.

• What is a Specialist High Skills Major?  It is a Ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements to graduate.

• Key Benefits:  Students develop specialized knowledge and skills, gain sector-recognized certification and career-relevant training.

• How is a SHSM Major recognized?  A diploma with an embossed SHSM seal, formal recognition on transcript, a SHSM record documenting achievement.

links & media

Co-operative Education website: 

https://sites.google.com/tdsb.on.ca/cooperative-education-duffy/home