Cooperative Education (Co-op)

What is Co-op?

The Co-operative Education Program allows students to earn secondary school credits while completing a work placement.
Students will have in-school classroom training/assignments for the first couple weeks of the semester as well as one in-school day approximately every 3 weeks. There are mandatory assignments necessary as well as the on-the-job experience necessary to earn credits.
Co-op students can try out an occupation or different occupations in an actual work environment before deciding which career path is right for them.
Two co-op credits can be applied towards high school graduation requirements although there is no limit on earning optional co-op credits.
Four credit co-op (all day) are recommended for students wanting to experience a trade where the job site varies. Two credit co-op can work for some trades particular where the location is permanently fixed such as mechanics.
Students must arrange their own transportation to their co-op placement.
Co-op placements are arranged for students by their secondary school. All placements are required to follow Ministry of Education policy and guidelines.

Why Take Co-op?

Co-op lets you:

Explore Careers
Connect Learning to Your Life
Develop Skills & Knowledge
Build Your Resume
Individualize Your Learning
Expand Your Network
Help earn a SHSM designation on graduation

To Participate in Co-op You Must:

Be 14 years of age OR meet the minimum age requirement of the workplace
Arrange travel to and from placements
Follow company rules including dress code and confidentiality

For more information on Co-op click here.

Apprenticeship

The apprenticeship pathway is a paid postsecondary education to learn a skilled trade combining on-the-job and in-class training. As an apprentice, people learn a skilled trade on the job, working with and learning from experienced workers, and getting paid while they do it.

For most trades, apprentices work for a year and then switch to studying in class for eight to 12 weeks, either full or part-time. It takes between two to five years to complete an apprenticeship, depending on the trade. There are 144 Skilled Trades to consider in 4 sectors: Industrial, Motive, Service, and Construction.

For more information on apprenticeship, students/families/caregivers can talk to their guidance counselor, Co-op teacher or SHSM Lead, explore myBlueprint, visit the OYAP website, or reach out to the OYAP coordinator at UGDSB. Upper Grand students are also invited to join the Apprenticeship 101 classroom to stay up to date with opportunities and information related to this pathway.

What is OYAP? The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a specialized program in high school that allows you to explore apprenticeship and consider careers in the skilled trades, generally starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the cooperative education program.

We also offer Dual Credit Programming, which allow eligible students in high school to take college or apprenticeship courses that count towards: their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. a postsecondary certificate, diploma, degree or a Certificate of Apprenticeship.

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