COURSE FAIR
Co-operative education

***NOTE*** In addition to selecting Co-op in MyBlueprint you must also complete a separate Co-op Application and submit it to Ms Melconian. You must also provide 2 teachers with Reference Forms to submit to Ms Melconian on your behalf. sonja.melconian@tdsb.on.ca

What is Co-Operative Education?

Co-operative Education is an Experiential Learning program which students can choose to take in their senior years of High School – grades 11 or 12. Students gain practical work experience in a field of their choice while working closely with a professional in that field, gaining work experience and improving on key skills like communication, problem-solving, effective planning, research, conflict management and time management. Co-op provides students an opportunity to ‘try out’ their possible future career while simultaneously making connections with industry leaders.

Some of the more popular placements include the Healthcare Field, Computer Research, Child Development and Childcare, Police, Trades, and Animal Care.

Students earn credits by accumulating hours at their placement and in the classroom. Students can choose between a 2-credit placement or a 4-credit placement.

2-Credit Summary

Students work approximately 3 to 4 hours every day during the semester at their placement. This may occur in the mornings during periods 1 and 2 or in the afternoons during periods 3 and 4. (Two other courses are taken at York Mills during the other half of the school day.)

• 15-20 hours of Pre-placement: classroom component

• 180-190 hours onsite experience at placement

• 16-18 hours of Integration: monthly in-class assignments and debriefings

4-Credit Summary

Students work the entire school day during the semester at their placement. (No other courses are taken at York Mills during the semester.)

• 15-20 hours of Pre-placement: classroom component

• 380-400 hours onsite experience at placement

• 16-18 hours of Integration: monthly in-class assignments and debriefings

Co-op Brochure

Special Opportunities within Co-op:

Apprenticeships and OYAP (Including STEP to Construction and STEP to Transportation)

A number of centralized placements are available through unique partnerships between the TDSB and a range of companies and organizations, including:

• Banking and Finance (placements in Toronto financial district)

• Canadian Armed Forces

• "Be Our Guest" (Hospitality and Business placements in hotels and restaurants)

• Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

• Stratagem Arts

• Toronto Police Services

• University Health Network (UHN)

• Across Experiences (a Dance/Drama and Media Arts Co-op that aims to build cross-cultural understanding with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students through storytelling, theatre, dance and new media)

If you are interested in one of these "special opportunities" you should contact the co-op teacher or your Guidance Counsellor.