Welcome to Co-op

What is Co-operative Education? The Co-operative Education Program provides an opportunity for students to earn credits towards a high school diploma for learning accomplished on the job. Two credits earned on-the-job are linked to one in- school credit.

What is Co-operative Education? The main goal of the co-operative Education Program is to help students develop the responsibilities, knowledge and skills required for employment along with an opportunity to explore a career.

Program Structure Students in 2 credit programs should work 3 hours per day at a local business, industry or service agency. Students in 4 credit programs should work 6 hours per day.

Program Structure The student is not paid a salary but receives course credits towards their diploma. The in-school teacher supervisor will visit or contact the workplace at least twice each month in order to assess the student’s progress with the employer. The student attends an 8 day in-school orientation/training session before commencing work.

Program Components Topics will include: Cover Letters/Resumes/Job Applications. Workplace Ethics Interview Skills Employee Qualities Health and Safety Pre-Placement Orientation: Friday, February 1rst to Tuesday, February 12th Materials required: Binder, pen, and pencil. Attendance is Mandatory

Program Components Work Placement: You must have found a job placement and begin working by Wednesday, February 13th Students must continue to work in the course until June 20th even if the required number of hours is logged in. Exams begin Friday, June 21rst. Co-op Culminating is DUE: Tuesday, June 18th: NO EXTENSIONS!

These sessions are mandatory for everyone Program Components Integration Sessions: Several integration sessions will occur throughout the semester. These sessions are mandatory for everyone

Program Evaluation Worksite Evaluation 30% Log sheets 20% Assignments 20% Summative Assignment 30%

Program Evaluation Regular attendance at school and at the placement is critical for student learning and the achievement of course expectations. Patterns of regular attendance and punctuality at the placement will contribute to a student’s overall success.

Required Certification Health and Safety In Four Steps WHMIS Students must complete and submit certificates for the following two courses BEFORE they can set foot in a placement. Print two copies of the certificates; give one to the co-op teacher and keep the other for the culminating portfolio.

What are the Benefits of Co-op? Pursue a work placement in a field of interest Use knowledge and skills from your classroom in the workplace Earn high school credits through work experience Try out different career options

What are the Benefits of Co-op? Earn valuable work experience for your resume Make connections with employers Learn new practical skills Build your resume for University/College applications

Selecting a Co-op Placement When searching for a work placement, it is important that you search in a field that interests you. Your placement should give you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, develop essential skills, and make meaningful connections.

Co-op FAQs

1. Does the student get paid? A: Co-op students earn high school credits, but do not get paid. Some employers may choose to provide a modest honorarium to assist students with work related expenses, however, this is not common and is not expected.

2. Can the student be hired by the employer? A: The aim of co-op is to earn credits while obtaining experience in the workplace. If a position does become available, students may accept the opportunity if it does not interfere with the Work Education Agreement which clearly identifies designated co-op hours. Therefore, the student can only be hired outside of co-op hours and they should then be insured by the company during paid employment hours.

3. How does the student get to and from the placement? A: Transportation to and from the placement is the responsibility of the student. All travel expenses are paid for by the student.

4. Can Co-op hours be used as Community Involvement Hours? A: Co-op and Community Involvement are not the same. Through co-op, students benefit by gaining personal work experience. Community Involvement hours, on the other hand, involve volunteer opportunities where the community benefits. Students cannot count co-op hours toward their Community Involvement diploma requirement.

5. Are students insured? A: A Work Education Agreement (WEA) is completed for each student Through the WEA, students are covered by Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) while at their placements.

6. What if the student doesn't like his or her placement? A: All students attend 8 days of pre-placement classes in order to prepare for placement. Students who positively participate, communicate with co-workers, demonstrate on-going initiative and enthusiasm will be most successful in this partnership experience. When students sign the Work Education Agreement, they are making a commitment to this placement. It is very rare for students to be relocated.

7. What if a student isn't fitting in with the placement? A: The employer has the right to dismiss the student. The aim is to give students a realistic work experience and help them understand what it takes to get and keep a job. The program is giving students an opportunity to learn and grow while trying to meet realistic employment opportunities as experienced by all new employees. If the student is unwilling or unable to change his or her focus or behaviour, credits may be in jeopardy. If the student is able to make meaningful adjustments, a new placement may be found if time and circumstances permit.

8. What is expected from employers? A: Employers are expected to provide a realistic view of workplace expectations and offer guidance for educational growth. Workplace employees will demonstrate the attitudes and skills required of a successful and responsible employee in a safe and healthy environment. Employers will sign Ministry documents, complete Performance Appraisals, offer a learning environment which includes job-specific health and safety training, and work in partnership with the co-op teacher to outline work expectations.

9. Who ensures student safety? A: The co-op teacher is expected to provide general safety awareness training during pre-employment sessions. The employer should provide specific safety orientation and ongoing training. Students have the responsibility to wear safety gear at all times, follow workplace guidelines and practices, and report any injuries or hazards.

10. What happens during a work stoppage, strike, lockout, company layoff, or shutdown, etc.? A: In the event of any of the above, students and/or employers will inform the co-op teacher. The co-op teacher will assign alternate work for the students to ensure completion of hours. If the work stoppage is lengthy, the co-op teacher/student may have to find an alternate placement.

11. Who is responsible for finding the student a co-op placement? A: Co-op students are responsible for finding their own co-op placement.