Cooperative education (Coop) is an experiential learning opportunity with a community business for which students earn credits. The work placement enables students to earn credits by integrating classroom theory with learning experiences at the work site. The placements enable students to apply and extend their knowledge and to practice and refine the skills acquired in related courses.
Students usually work from Monday to Friday for the length of the semester. Students attend Pre-Placement Orientation at the beginning of the semester, complete reflection activities throughout the semester before completing a final project. Students are also responsible for completing weekly log sheets to track their hours and progress.
Cooperative Education is offered to students in grades 11 or 12 as a single, double, triple or four credit package. Students considering a single credit must consider travel time to and from school/placement when deciding on a placement.
Cooperative Education enables the students to:
Experience hands-on learning
“Test-drive” career options
See the relevance of their classroom learning in a work setting
Earn credits through workplace experience
Develop the essential skills and work habits required in the workplace and acquire a direct understanding of employer and workplace expectations
Gain valuable work experience that will help build a resume for post-secondary programs and future employment
Explore and work in apprenticeship occupations with an opportunity to register as an Ontario Youth Apprentice (OYAP)
Co-op Placement Notes:
Application form - www.dsb1.ca/tdss , guidance tab, cooperative education
An Interview
Example Cooperative Education Placements:
Physiotherapy | Mechanic | Welding | Veterinary |
Engineering | Teaching | Reception | Dentistry |
Contracting | Retail | Banking | Esthetics |
Nursing/PSW | Pharmacy | Woodworking | Agriculture |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question | Answer |
Does a student get paid? | Students do NOT usually earn a wage while at their placement. Students earn credits toward their diploma as remuneration for their work. Some employers may choose to provide a modest honorarium or assist students with work related expenses ie: transportation, uniform, equipment, however, this is not common and is not expected. Exceptions are made for certain circumstances where students are paid. |
How do students get to their placement? | The coop department will provide bus tickets for students who do not have other means to attend placement. Transportation to and from placement should be a consideration for students when they are considering placements. |
Are students insured while at placement? | Yes! A Work Education Agreement (contract) is signed at the start of the work placement recording the times within which the student works. The students’ WSIB insurance is covered by the Ministry of Education. |
How is the placement chosen? | Students identify two possible placement choices in the application form. During the interview with the coop teacher, the workplace choice is confirmed. Placements depend on a variety of factors. |
How are students evaluated? | Coop teachers use information gathered through conversation, observation and assessment of student product (coursework), along with comments, responses and/or constructive feedback provided by the placement supervisor to inform their judgement in determining a grade. The teacher is solely responsible for evaluating students’ achievement and for assigning student grades. |
How are students monitored? | Students are monitored by their teacher who will complete regular placement visits. Students are monitored regularly at placement from their placement supervisor. |
Course Description
Cooperative Education Linked to a Related Course or Courses
This course consists of a community-connected experience and a cooperative education curriculum that incorporates relevant expectations from the student’s related course (or courses). Students will develop skills, knowledge, and habits of mind that will support them in their learning at school and beyond, today and in the future, as well as in their education and career/life planning. Within the context of the community-connected experience, students will apply, extend, and refine skills and knowledge acquired in their related course or courses and will apply skills, knowledge, and habits of mind that will protect and promote their health, safety, and well-being. They will create and implement a learning plan that meets their particular interests and needs, reflect on their learning, and make connections between their experiences in the community and other aspects of their lives.
Prerequisite: None
Cooperative Education Courses are coded in the following ways:
COP 1X1 - 1 credit
COP 2X2 - 2 credits
COP 4X4 - 4 credits
FRENCH IMMERSION Cooperative Education Courses are coded in the following ways:
COP 1F1 - 1 credit
COP 2F2 - 2 credits
COP 4F4 - 4 credits
COOP Application Form:
Students who select coop during course selection are asked to complete the Cooperative Education Application form. This provides contact information as well as preferred placement types for our coop teachers.
Cooperative Education Application Form
