Cooperative Education

Through Cooperative Education students are given an opportunity to apply concepts and expectations of specific school subjects during a work placement. There is a classroom component and a placement component. Pre-placement classroom sessions will include health and safety training, review of job search skills, confidentiality, work ethics, the role of unions and a Personalized Placement Learning Plan for each student. Students will return to school on specified dates for reflective learning activities related to their workplace experiences. Together the classroom and the work placement provide students with:

• Credits toward the O.S.S.D.
• Valuable experience for future career destinations
• Hands on training for employment opportunities after graduation
• Apprenticeship training in the skilled trades during secondary school
• Assessment and evaluation of learning

Cooperative Education is a credit granting program of 2 or 4 credits. The number of credits depends on the length of the experience in the program:

• 2 credits = 220 hours for one semester
• 4 credits = 440 hours for one semester

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS -COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

Students must:

• have completed the grade 10 Career Studies course
• have earned sixteen credits
• have written parent/guardian consent
• complete a Co-op application form in addition to the school option sheet (application forms are available in both the Co-op and Guidance offices)
• make a serious commitment to fulfill obligations to St. Mary C. S. S. and to the Cooperative Education employer
• make a good impression during an interview for selection in to the program

• student’s attendance record, teacher references and approval of administration
• availability of a work placement and the suitability of the applicant for the placement
• successful completion of the related school subject prior to the work placement or the concurrent timetabling of both the subject and the Cooperative Education placement
• specific selection criteria required by some placements which will be discussed during the interview for selection

• Students must provide their own safety equipment for all jobs where required.
• Students not eligible for a bus pass or students travelling out of the local community may incur travel costs.
• Students may have costs related to vaccinations, medical tests or criminal record checks.

ONTARIO YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM (OYAP)

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program offers students a chance to make a smooth transition to their post-secondary education and training apprenticeship programs. It allows students to complete their credits for an O.S.S.D. and gain apprenticeship training leading to a Certificate of Apprenticeship. Students are involved in a structured, but flexible program beginning after Grade 10. Students will spend approximately 50% of their time in the workplace throughout the 2 year program. Prior to being registered as an apprentice, students will participate in specific trade related Cooperative Education work placements to determine their suitability for apprenticeship registration. This program is available in areas such as Construction, Automotive Power, Precision Metal Trades, Manufacturing and Horticulture, Hairstyling and Early Childhood Education. OYAP application forms are processed through the Cooperative Education Office.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS - OYAP:

• have completed 2 years of secondary school with a minimum of 16 credits
• have an acceptable attendance record
• have over 70% in all grade 10 courses, applied or academic
• be responsible for his/her own transportation to and from the placement work site
• obtain student accident insurance or provide proof that he/she has adequate coverage
• technological education credits in the selected apprenticeship area would be an asset
• completion of a Cooperative Education and OYAP application form, and the school option sheet

Contact: 905-420-7166 Jane Quinn (voice mail 6432) for further information (Direct line St. Mary C.S.S. Co-op: 905-420-8508)