Co-operative Education is an educational program that integrates classroom theory with practical experience in the workplace while earning two to four credits. Students will work at a location where they will gain hands-on experience tied to either one or two in-school courses they are currently taking or have taken previously. The program also prepares students for their school-to-work transition by increasing their understanding of workplace practices and skills, exploring occupational fields and industry sectors that are of interest to them, and by making informed educational career decisions.
This program assists students bound for university, college, apprenticeships, or the workplace. The program is unique in that it utilizes the resources in the community to enrich the educational experiences of the classroom setting. Students who enroll in Co-op can take a 2 credit (half day) or 4 credit (full day) package. Please note that Co-op credits can be counted toward your compulsory STEM credit.
Grade 11 and Grade 12 Co-op (2 or 4 Credits)
A Cooperative Education student will earn two or four Co-op credits for work experience in any placement opportunity within the community. Students who have the educational background, demonstrate responsibility, motivation, commitment, and the willingness to learn in an adult workplace environment will be successful in this program. Work placements are dependent upon the skills, strengths, academic backgrounds, attitudes, and work ethics of individual students. Possibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Business (Accounting, Law, Human Resources, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Administration)
- Communications Technology (Computer Graphics/Programming/Technician, Web Design, Animation)
- Social Sciences (Teaching, Social Work, Recreational Services, Nutritionist)
- Science (Medicine, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Veterinarian, Dentistry)
- Media Arts (Journalism, Fashion Design, Television/Radio Productions, Photography)
- Trades (Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, Cook, Auto service, Hairstylist, etc.)
Benefits of Co-op:
- 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 Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, Accelerated OYAP, and High Performance Athlete;
- "step-up" for entry into post-secondary institutions
Requirements for Admission
- Must be an independent learner with a commitment to regular attendance at the placement and good work habits.
- Must complete a Co-op application process with two teacher references, and permission of parent/guardian and interview with Co-op teacher.
How to Apply for Co-op
- Select the appropriate Co-op code in My Pathway Planner.
- Complete the online Co-op application form found on My Pathway Planner
- A Co-op application form link will be e-mailed to you to complete the application package by the deadline indicated on the application form (March/April).
- You will be scheduled for an interview once your forms are received. (April/May).
Specialist High Skills Major Program (SHSM)
- Students who are part of the SHSM program must take, at minimum, a 2 credit Cooperative Education Program in either Grade 11 or Grade 12. Co-op placement must be related to their SHSM specialty. WCI has a Health & Wellness, Business and Arts & Culture SHSM.
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program is designed for students who wish to pursue a skilled trade while meeting the academic requirements to graduate secondary school. An OYAP student earns two or four Co-op credits for work experience in an apprentice trade. Students accumulate workplace hours that count towards both secondary school co-op credits and level 1 requirements for an apprenticeship program. To participate in OYAP, students must be at least 15 years old and have accumulated a minimum of 14 credits towards their OSSD. This program provides opportunities in both regulated and non-regulated trades in the following sectors:
- Motive Power (Brake Technician, Auto Body Repairer, Automotive Service Technician)
- Service (Baker, Child and Youth Worker, Child Development Practitioner, Hairstylist, Cook)
- Construction (Brick and Stone Mason, Electrician, Drywall Finisher, Painter and Decorator, Plumber)
- Industrial (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Draftsperson, Welder, Machinist, Millwright)
Accelerated OYAP/Dual Credit Program at Seneca, Humber, Centennial, and George Brown Colleges
This Co-op program is offered to students in their last year of secondary school who have acquired at least 26 of the 30 credits required to graduate high school. Students work in a skilled trade while working on or obtaining their Level One apprenticeship certification in the skilled trade at a designated college. Students who are highly focused and are able to complete the secondary school Co-op requirements in conjunction with the college requirements may benefit from these reach-ahead opportunities. Students must be in good academic standing and have excellent attendance and punctuality to be considered. Students earn both high school and college-level credits.
Summer School Co-op
1 or 2 Credit Co-op is available to students in grades 10 – 12 interested in a work experience. Students will participate in remote/in-person learning and in-person/virtual Co-op placements in their community during the month of July. Pre-placement classes will take place in-person and virtually beginning in May.
Students entering Grade 11 and Grade 12 may apply. However, Grade 12 students who could not fit Co-op into their regular timetables and require it for graduation will be given priority. Information for summer co-op programs are available on the public website for students and families. Please visit www.yrdsb.ca/summer-pathway
Deadline: Application Opens February, Deadline to Apply : End of February