Co-operative Education is a unique learning opportunity that extends classroom theory and learning into practical experience in business, industry and the community. It consists of a classroom component and a workplace component and may be planned as a single or multiple credit program.
The opportunity to experience the workplace helps students explore career options and gather information they need to make informed decisions about their post-secondary destinations (Apprenticeship, College, University or Workplace). Students also develop essential skills, work habits, attitudes and job skills necessary for a successful transition from secondary school to the workplace or post-secondary education.
Why take a Co-operative Education course?
Co-operative Education gives students the opportunity to:
- Make connections between school and work and to "try out" a career of interest before finalizing plans for post-secondary education, training or employment;
- See the relevance of their classroom learning in a work setting;
- Develop the essential skills and work habits required in the workplace and acquire a direct understanding of employer and workplace expectations;
- Gain valuable work experience to help build their resume for post-secondary programs and future employment;
- Experience authentic and purposeful learning outside a traditional classroom setting;
- Develop maturity and self-confidence.
How does Co-operative Education help students meet diploma requirements?
- For students who entered Grade 9 in 2023 蘑菇传媒 or earlier, Co-operative Education credits may be used to meet up to two of the 18 compulsory credit requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
- For students who entered grade 9 in 2024 or later, Co-operative Education credits may be used to meet one of the 17 compulsory credit requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
- There is no limit to the number of optional credits that may be earned through Co-operative Education courses.
- Under the Ministry-approved framework for the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) designation within the OSSD, students must earn a minimum of two Co-operative Education credits as one of the five required components of SHSM.
- Co-operative Education credits are a required component of other specialized programs, such as the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).
How does a student apply to the Co-operative Education Program?
Students choose to take Co-operative Education during course selection and also complete and submit a Co-operative Education Application Form. Students must be interviewed for the program which is conducted by the Co-operative Education teacher in consultation with subject teachers, guidance counsellors and administrators.