Staff
Department head - Mrs. R. Deo
What is Co-op?
Co-op is educational programming that integrates classroom theory with practical experience in the workplace. Programming is based on a partnership between the school and a business or community organization. It involves the participation of students, teachers and the workplace (placement supervisors). It is a credit-earning program.
Cooperative Education programming is the foundation to the following specialized programs:
- Exploring Opportunities Program - A specialized opportunity if you are interested in the trades and technology and want to explore workplace or apprenticeship pathways.
- High Performance Athlete (HPA) Program - An option for students competing at the provincial, national and/or international level in eligible sports. It is designed to provide high performing student-athletes with timetable support to enable them to attend their regular training and compete during times that would typically conflict with otherwise-regular academic programming.
- Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program - In Grade 11 or 12, you can start your investigation and training in an apprenticeship trade through the cooperative education program.
- Personalized Alternative Education - PAE are a system of educational alternatives distinguished from main stream programming in that they frequently use an unconventional classroom settings and and altered timetables in order to service the individual needs of students.
- Specialist High Skills Major - You can specialize in an economic sector of interest while in secondary school by choosing courses related to that sector and participating in a number of planned experiential opportunities, such as co-op, field trips and post-secondary tours.
- Summer Co-op - Students are able to earn one to two credits participating in a work experience program through summer Cooperative Education (Co-op)
Who is it for?
Cooperative Education programs are accessible in all YRDSB secondary schools. While the program is primarily geared for students in Grade 11 and 12, any student over the age of 14 could qualify. Regardless of the post-secondary destination of choice all students can benefit from a co-op experience.
What are the benefits?
Co-op provides you with an opportunity to:
- develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes through hands-on experience;
- explore a career in order to make informed educational and career decisions;
- develop maturity and self-confidence;
- strengthen employability skills;
- gain valuable work experience;
- develop networking opportunities;
- earn credits towards your OSSD;
- complete the program requirements of the Specialist High Skills Major;
- participate in specialized programs such as OYAP, HPA, ICE;
- "step-up" for entry into post-secondary institutions.