Co-operative Education

A way of learning outside the classroom, allowing students to work in their field of interest, while earning one to four high

school credits.

Who can take co-op?

Grade 11 or 12 students

Students in all pathways

Apprenticeship

College

University

Workplace

How many credits can you earn?

Co-op can be...

1 credit (gr. 12 TA program)

2 credit (morning or afternoon co-op)

4 credit (full day co-op)

What do you need to graduate?18 compulsory credits

4 credits in English; 3 credits in mathematics; 2 credits in science; 1 credit in Canadian history; 1

credit in Canadian geography; 1 credit in the arts; 1 credit in health and physical education; 1

credit in French as a second language; 0.5 credit in career studies; 0.5 credit in civics

Plus one credit from each of the following groups:

GROUP 1: additional credit in English, or French as a second language, or a Native

language, or a classical or an international language, or social sciences and the

humanities, or Canadian and world studies, or guidance and career education, or

cooperative education**

GROUP 2: 1 additional credit in health and physical education, or the arts, or business

studies, or cooperative education*

GROUP 3: 1 additional credit in science, or technological education, or

cooperative education* In addition to the compulsory credits, students must complete:

✓ 12 optional credits ✓ 40 hours of community involvement ✓ the provincial literacy requirement

* A maximum of 2 credits in cooperative education can count as compulsory credits.

Program Structure Pre-Placement

Job Readiness Health & Safety Employment Laws

Work Placement 110 hours per credit earned spent at work site Monitoring teacher visits throughout semester Evaluation at workplace counts for 35% of mark with input from

supervisor through Personalized Placement Learning Plan

Integration Reflection Workplace Issues Projects

Sample ScheduleFor two credit co-op, it is either in the MORNING…

Period 1 – Co-op

Period 2 – Co-op

Period 3 – Lunch

Period 4 – Class (ex. English)

Period 5 – Class (ex. Biology)

…or the AFTERNOON, in which case your timetable would look something like this…

Period 1 – Law

Period 2- French

Period 3 – Lunch

Period 4 – Co-op

Period 5 – Co-op

University Bound? Co-op credits DO NOT count as one of the 6

U/M credits to get into University

They DO count towards your compulsory credits

It helps those applying for professional programs

Vet , lawyer, dentist, medicine, social work, etc

It allows you to test these careers before makingthe financial commitment

College Bound?

Co-op enhances applications to college programs, especially those that require:

an interview

a portfolio

an audition

experience

Examples: journalism, radio & TV, ECE, Graphic Arts, Interior design, social work, paramedic, vet technician, photography, theatre arts, music, dental assistant . .

Workplace Bound?

Get started on a career now…

Allows for experience in a supportive environment

Through Co-op, many students are hired by their placements

Pursuing Skilled Trades?

Start by taking co-op in a trade area of interest:

Construction (Mason, Millwright, Electrician, Carpenter, Ironworker, Painter, Plumber, Heating & A/C, Sheet Metal worker… )

Industrial (Machinist, Sheet Metal Worker, Cabinet Maker, Mould Maker, Printer Technician, Tool & Die. . .)

Motive Power (Auto Service Technician, Auto Body, farm equipment mechanic, motorcycle mechanic, …)

Service Trades (Baker, Cook, Hairstylist, Horticulturist, Radio & TV Service Technician…)

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

Opportunity for students to explore and gain skills in apprenticeship occupations

Students can start their apprenticeship while in co-op

Co-op hours count toward apprenticeship hours

Accelerated OYAP & Dual Credits

A Grade 11 or 12 subject credit will be linked to the type of co-op placement

The co-op credits earned are academically based…

Connecting to the Curriculum

Sciences

Paediatrician’s Office

Dentistry

Naturopathy…

Pet Care

Veterinarian Assistant

•Pharmacy•Medical Lab•Hospital

•Physiotherapy

•Environmental Science

Family Studies

•Cook

•Pastry Chef

Hairdresser, Cosmetician

Visual Arts

•Fred VarleyArt Gallery

•Graphic Arts

•T-Shirt Design

Math / Physics/Technology

Auto Service Technician Apprentice

Electrician

Carpentry

Plumber

Sheet Metal Worker/HVAC Service

Math / Physics / Computer Engineering

Engineering:

- Electrical- Mechanical- Computeretc.

History

•Textile Museum of Canada

•Markham Museum

•Teacher Assistant

Law

Law Office, Courts, Legal Clinics

Business

•Accounting

•Marketing

•Human Resources

•Financial Planning

•Mortgage Broker

Comm Tech

TV/ Video Production

Computer Science

•Software developer•Computer technician•IT services

Teacher’s Assistant

Other Co-op Experiences SUMMER CO-OP in COSTA RICA

2-credit package

Students eligible after grade 10

Earn two (2) high school co-op credits

Spend one (1) week in Canada and three (3) weeks in Costa Rica, Central America … in July

Minimum 15 years of age / completion of Grade 10

See flyers for information meetings

If interested visit the following website www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/ice , or

Contact Kelly LeBlanc (teacher at Milliken Mills H.S.) at kelly.leblanc@yrdsb.edu.on.ca or 905-477-0072 ext. 193

Other Co-op Experiences INTERNATIONAL CO-OP in Ecuador

ON HOLD UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

6-credit package (including 3 U credits)

Pre-requisites: Spanish; Gr.11 English (UorM); Cndn & World Studies OR Social Science & Humanities

Offered in 2nd semester only and attend host school (Thornlea) in 2nd semester

Register THIS year for NEXT year’s program

If interested visit the following website www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/ice , or

Contact Mr. Peacock at 905-Thornlea S.S. 905-889-9696 ext. 337

Other Co-op Experiences

offered in 2nd semester only

must be a full day co-op

students are selected by the Canadian Armed Forces

MILITIA CO-OP

But there’s more and more compelling research and evidence to support these programs…

Ontario’s Skills Gap (The Conference Board of Canada)

Survey of 1,538 Ontario employers –covering over 760,000 employees

Completed to find out what occupations, skills, and credentials employers require to bridge skills gaps

23 occupations show evidence of shortages, mainly in high-skill areas (including some areas of business, finance, and administration; natural and applied sciences and health occupations)

Benefits of Co-op Earn 2 to 4 high school credits

Reinforces pathway decisions

Develop contacts and provides references in

your field of interest

Develop self confidence

Provides valuable work experience and

helps close the SKILLS GAP

Complete program requirements for SHSM

Steps to take. . .

Choose Co-op on Career Cruising

Pick up application package from the Co-op office

Return application to Co-op office

Attend interview with Co-op teacher (invited via through homeroom)

Co-op Education

is for everyone!

And if YOU own a business or work in Markham… You too can offer an opportunity for a co-op student to:

• Obtain new skills• Be a productive team member• Experience a career field• Add to their growth and maturity• Bring fresh ideas to your organization• And, PERHAPS help YOU close your skills gap…

Contact Jennifer Black in the co-op office at ext. 370

THANK YOU!