Co-operative Education Department (Co-op)​

Are you curious about your future career? Are you interested in gaining work experience in a career of your choice while earning 2 or 4 credits before leaving high school? Co-operative Education provides you with this unique opportunity! Please see the board site for more information. 

What is Co-op?

Cooperative education provides Grade 11 and Grade 12 students the ability to learn while on the job outside of the school environment. It is based on a partnership between a school and an employer that involves the participation of students, teachers, school and employers. Co-op is a high school program that allows students to earn 2 or 4 credits while working outside the school at a placement of interest. A maximum of 2 credits in Cooperative Education can count as compulsory credits in Groups 1, 2 or 3. See Graduation Requirements.

In order for a student to be successful in this program, the student requires self-motivation, a high degree of self-discipline, and a clear idea of their future career. Students will attend their workplace instead of going to class, and will adhere to the attendance and punctuality standards set by the community.

Note: French Immersion co-op placements count for one credit towards the French Certificate. For example; a co-op placement at a French elementary school.

Course Description

Before the job placement begins, the students participate in a unit called Pre-Placement orientation, which is the first three weeks of the course semester. Topics include, employment standards act, human rights, interview skills, resume/cover letter, researching the organization, safety on the job, and various certifications. During that time, students attend their interview with a potential employer and if accepted by the employer, all the necessary board documents will be signed by all parties, before the placement begins. Co-op placements start after the three weeks of Pre-Placement.  

Throughout the semester, students will work at their placement every day for approximately 3 hours for 2 credits co-op or 6 hours all day for 4 credits. Students return to school every other Monday for Integration sessions (in class) to discuss workplace experiences, reflections, assignments, etc. Evaluations in all Co-operative Education courses include some of the following; weekly submission of hour log sheets, placement health and safety assignment, employers’ evaluation of performance on the job, Career Project/Fair, Rich Performance Task at the placement, Thank you Letter to the employer, and updating their resume with the current co-op placement.

Experience Your Dream Career!

Gain valuable work experience, “test drive a career“ network with professionals and earn 2 or 4 high school credits that can count towards groups 1, 2, or 3 of your compulsory credits. (Starts-Grade 11 or 12) For more info, visit the Co-op and SHSM Website: (bit.ly/coop-polyzotis). See Ms. Polyzotis (Co-op-Rm. 219) or Guidance

Why take Co-op?

• Explore a career!
• Develop knowledge, skills, work habits and gain hands-on work experience!
• Start an apprenticeship while in high school
• Network in the industry
• Earn 2 or 4 compulsory high school credits
• Build your resume
• Decide if this is the career for you!
• Mention Co-op in your supplemental package

Co-op Supports

• OYAP- Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
• Earn 2 or 4 Co-op Credits while exploring a trade
• Second Semester-Grade 12 only 4 credits-options in becoming a register apprentice. Examples of Trades; Electrical, Automotive, Plumbing, HVAC, Cook, Hairstylist, etc. SHSM- Specialist High Skills Major
• Business Sectors (SHSM)
• Health and Wellness (SHSM)
• Arts and Culture (SHSM) (see SHSM flyer information)

How to Apply

Step 1: Select Cooperative Education (Co-op) during course selection 2 Credits - COOP2 (Grade 11 or 12) 4 credits - COOP4 (Grade 11 or 12) 

Step 2: Complete the Co-op Application form online by April 1. Indicate two placement options on application form. Ex; law, vet 

Step 3: Obtain two teacher references. Send the Coop Reference Form link to two teachers  ** All placements/employer interviews will be arranged during class in the first three weeks of the semester called Pre-Placement-class). Placements will begin after Pre-Placement.

Step 4: Students will be contacted in May for Co-op interviews. The Co-op Application Form and two Teacher References must be completed at the time of the interview. The Co-op department will interview students for commitment, readiness, and maturity for the program. Students are representing the school; therefore regular attendance and good academic performance are key considerations when staff makes the final decisions about who will be accepted into the program. In addition to this, the staff reviews the teacher references.

Please note:

** All placements will be arranged during class in the first three weeks of the semester called Pre-Placement (in class). Placements will begin after Pre-Placement** 

**French Immersion placements will count for one credit towards the French Immersion Certificate. For example; a co-op placement at a French school.

Sample Co-op Time​table

*Every other Monday is Integration (students are in class with co-op class/teacher)

OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program)

OYAP or the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program is a special Cooperative Education program for students in grade 11 or 12 to explore a career in the skilled trades. Students earn credits towards a high school diploma while gaining knowledge and hands-on experience at a co-op placement under the supervision of a professional tradesperson. 

Accelerated OYAP Grade 12 (4 credits-Semester 2 only)

Accelerated OYAP allows students to obtain their Level 1 Apprenticeship Training through a designated college and also be signed as a registered apprentice, while working alongside a professional in the field to complete the required apprenticeship training. Programs that can be offered are; Electrician, Auto Service Technician, HVAC, Cook, Baker, Child Development Practitioner, and many more. For more information visit: the YRDSB accelerated OYAP program for more information.

Militia Co-op (4 Credits-Semester 2 only)

This is a paid co-op opportunity. Choose to join the Canadian Forces for your co-op experience and earn 4 credits. Students will complete the Canadian Armed Forces application process, participate in their training program, and earn both Basic Military Qualifications and Soldier Qualifications upon successful completion of the program. Must be 16 years old to apply. NOTE: This program will only be available based on the Canadian Forces decision to offer. For more information visit www.forces.ca​