Cooperative Education Program (Co-op)
Co-op “ Engaging Today’s Youth…Investing in Tomorrow’s Workforce”
What is the Cooperative Education Program (Co-op)
Cooperative Education is a Ministry of Education–approved program that allows students to earn secondary school credits while completing a work placement. The program consists of a Cooperative Education (Co-op) course monitored by a Cooperative Education teacher, a related curriculum course in any subject, and a work placement. Students can count two co-op credits as compulsory credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Cooperative Education students must take the related course concurrently with the Cooperative Education or have successfully completed the related course before being placed in the program.
Key Benefits of Co-op Program?
Co-op students have the opportunity to:
- Experience hands-on learning.
- “Test-drive” career options.
- See the relevance of their classroom learning.
- Earn credits through workplace experience.
- Develop the essential skills and habits required in the workplace.
- Gain valuable work experience that will help build a resume for postsecondary programs and future employment.
How are students selected?
The following conditions must be met for students to be accepted into the program:
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Complete a Cooperative Education/OYAP registraton using My Blueprint.
- Complete a successful interview with a Cooperative Education/OYAP teacher.
- Complete prior to registration, or concurrently, the subject related course.
- Once a student is accepted into the co-op program, we cannot guarantee placement in first choice of career area. Consultation with a Guidance Counsellor or Co-op teacher is recommended.
How does Co-op work?
- Cooperative Education courses include a classroom component which is comprised of pre-placement and integration sessions.
- Prior to their placement, students attend orientation sessions as part of their classroom component of the program.
- The work placement component of the course requires students to attend a placement for a minimum of 2.5 hours per day, five days per week.
- Students share and reflect their work placement experiences with their teachers.
- Cooperative Education/OYAP teachers conduct placement learning assessments and evaluate their students’ performance through pre-placement, placement, and reflective learning activities. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the placement.
Links
What is Experiential Learning? https://youtu.be/8srV5yF41ow
Experiential Learning at BHNCDSB Experiential Learning at BHNCDSB
Pre-Course Orientation Planning for Cooperative Education
Dual Credit Program Earning high school and postsecondary credits
Epic Jobs “Jobs in skilled trades are cool” That’s the message local students in Grades 7, 8 and 10 heard loud and clear at Epic Jobs held in May in Brantford.
Experiential Learning Guide Workforce Planning Board
Manufacturing Day (We Make it Here – Video Series) Our videos offer a behind-the-scenes look at modern manufacturing in Brantford, Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk. You’ll hear from people who work in manufacturing and learn about the many exciting career opportunities in this large, diverse industry.
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Courses focussed towards a career
More Information
Consultation with a Guidance Counsellor and your Co-op/OYAP teacher is strongly recommended.
Assumption College
Contact: 519-751-2030
Holy Trinity Catholic High School
Contact: 519-429-3600
St. John’s College
Contact: 519-759-2318
Co-operative Education Coordinator/OYAP Recruiter
Jennifer Boluk Svec 519 756 6369 Ext 12471