Cooperative Education is a joint effort between the school and the community to provide students with an opportunity to combine in-school studies with on-the-job experiences. Cooperative Education is a shared responsibility between the school and the community to integrate classroom instruction with practical experience in the workplace.

What are the benefits of taking Cooperative Education?

• Earn credits toward your diploma
• Gain valuable work experience
• Expand the skills taught at school
• Become more aware of the demands and responsibilities of employment
• Gain experience to help you make wise career choices
• Receive continuous on-the-job training

How does the program work?

Cooperative Education is a planned learning experience, for which credits are earned, that        integrates classroom theory and learning experiences at a workplace to enable students to apply and refine the knowledge and skills acquired in a related course. Students are generally out in a workplace for a half day (morning or afternoon) for a whole semester. The rest of the day the student will have a regular in-school timetable. Students may also take a full day coop. The tasks that are performed at the work site relate to a course that is either being taken presently or in a   previous semester. Students will participate in a two week pre-placement orientation in school where they will discuss resume writing, interview skills, health and safety before they are able to go to a work site. Students will meet on a monthly basis with the coop teacher in a group session to reflect on what they are learning at the work site.

What are the entrance requirements?

• Must be a minimum 14 years of age, 16 years of age for a military coop
• Students must make transportation arrangements to and from the work station
• Must receive the recommendation and approval of the school administration and the Cooperative Education Committee
• Must complete an application form prior to being considered for the program
• Must be enrolled in a course or completed a course related to the job placement
• Must display a positive attitude towards the school and the potential program

What do our students say?

• I am appreciated and accepted.
• I have learned a lot  about myself.
• It was challenging.
• It was a friendly atmosphere.
• I would like to take another coop.
• The interaction is a lot of fun.
• I am treated like an adult.
• I feel I have a clearer picture of myself.
• I have a variety of tasks.
• I would make coop compulsory.
• It opens the doors to apprenticeship.

Want to find out more?

Drop by the Cooperative Education Office

Drop by the Guidance Office

Courses

For a list of courses offered, visit us on Career Cruising.