Co-Operative Education

Co-operative Education

TDSB and DMCI are gearing up for another successful year of co-op! If you are interested in taking co-op during the 2022-2023 school year please take note of all information and dates posted on this page.

Co-op is an amazing opportunity for all high school students, but students must be willing and able to advocate for what they want. Co-op placements are not simply there waiting to be filled. Rather, placements are found when the co-op teacher and student work together to find an arrangement suitable to the students strengths and needs, abilities and interests. 

In addition to the team effort of teacher and student, the TDSB hosts a variety of centralized placements. These are desireable co-op placements in high demand throughout the city. Placements include hospitals (medical and non-medical positions alike), trade programs, Toronto Police, a variety of arts-, finance- and hospitality-related programs. Co-op teachers have no 'pull' or 'sway' with these programs and students cannot apply through any other means. They are what they are and the deadlines are fixed. To find out more about these programs, the application process and deadlines please scroll down or see Ms. Veneziale for more information.

PLEASE NOTE: If interested in a centralized program, you must meet with Ms. Veneziale as soon as possible. The application process starts with your co-op teacher and there is no flexibility with deadlines. Deadlines for SECOND SEMESTER are set as early as November.


WHAT IS CO-OP?

Co-op is an experiential learning opportunity open to all students at DMCI. Whether students are bound for university, college, an apprenticeship or the workplace, co-op gives our students the opportunity to develop transferable skills, improve upon work habits and cultivate professional connections required for success. It helps them identify their strengths and interests and provides them with experience and knowledge that can assist with the transition from high school to the workplace or post-secondary education and guide them through the career planning process.

Co-op is a unique program which involves integrating academic study with practical experience in the workplace. Programming is based on a partnership between the school and business/organization and involves the commitment and participation of students, teachers, parents, and the workplace. 


Decoration
 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CO-OP FOR STUDENTS?

  • a new learning environment
  • gain valuable work experience
  • awareness of workplace demands and needs
  • develop self-knowledge, maturity and self-confidence
  • develop and apply knowledge, skills and attitudes 
  • build a network for future employment
  • earn credits towards secondary diploma
  • be better prepared for post-secondary transition
  • enhance acceptance possibilities to post-secondary or training programs
  • the option to participate in special programs linked to the trades and begin your apprenticeship while still in school

 

HOW DOES CO-OP WORK?

Students can earn 1 – 4 credits over the course of a semester. Students spend the first weeks of their semester in school preparing for their placement (pre-placement classes). Once placed students spend the majority of the week at the workplace, with regularly scheduled in-school days (integration classes).                                                                                                                         
Pre-placement – first 2-3 weeks of the semester preparing for the workplace

  • topics of study include Job Preparation, Health, Safety and Well-being in the Workplace, Rights and Responsibilities
  • placements are assessed by the co-op teacher and students take part in placement interviews 

Integration Classes – in class approximately every 3 weeks (Monday)

  • students are expected to participate in reflections and group discussions
  • topics of study may include Job Market Trends and the Nature of the Workplace, Post-secondary Pathways, Financial Literacy, Leadership and Decision Making

Placement – approximately 4 months 

  • student schedules will reflect the needs of their placement (hours typically reflect that of the school day)
  • students work towards individual learning goals
  • Co-op teacher visits regularly to assess learning through observation and discussion and to provide feedback to the student

SPECIALIZED CO-OP PROGRAMS (2022-2023)

The TDSB has partnered with a number of groups throughout the City of Toronto to offer some excellent work placement opportunities to students. Due to student demand, some placements have additional application requirements and deadlines that are set well in advance of the start of co-op. 

If you have any questions please contact your Guidance Counselor or Ms. Veneziale (natalie.veneziale@tdsb.on.ca) immediately – DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DEADLINE!!! 

TBA - to be announced

1. Uniformed Services

    • Armed Forces (second semester ONLY) – full-time placement – please email Ms. Veneziale directly for all the information – this is a lengthy process so don't put it off October 31, 2022
    • Toronto Fire Services no longer hosts high school co-op students – On hold until further notice
    • Toronto Police Services (positions are of a clerical nature - lengthy application process) – On hold until further notice

2. The Arts – for students interested in performing arts, digital media, film and television

    • TDSB Arts Co-op Program – Semester 2 – storytelling, dance, visual arts, media arts, film, theatre – December 8, 2022
    • Stratagem Arts Program – virtual – On hold until further notice
    • xoTO (film, television and media) – Semester 2 – information to come – December 9, 2022

3. Business / Financial 

    • BMO (financial district) – virtual/in-person – Semester 2 – December 19, 2022
    • UofT Enactus (enactusutsg.com)  – On hold until further notice
    • TD Mentorship (opportunity for Black students) – Semester 2 – information to come – due date TBA

4. Be Our Guest (Hospitality & Tourism)  MTCC 4-credit ONLY + 2-credit afternoon positions with The Hilton Downtown, The Hazelton Hotel Yorkville, Fairmont Royal York, InterContinental Front Street – Semester 2 – HR, front desk, rooms, sales and reservations, housekeeping, concierge – December 14, 2022

5. Hospitals  positions include medical (clerical in nature) as well as other areas including gift shop, the trades, professional services, lab work; during the pandemic students have been working with industry partners to solve / address real-world problems   

    • North York General Hospital (Seniors Health Centre for pm ONLY) – Semester 2 – information to come – EXTENDED to November 21, 2022
    • Scarborough Health Network (Birchmount Site, General Site, or Centenary Site) – Semester 2 – November 25, 2022
    • St. Joseph's Reactivation Care Centre (200 Church St.) – Semester 2 – December 23, 2022 - the earlier you submit the more consideration you will get
    • University Health Network (Toronto General, Toronto Western, Princess Margaret, Toronto Rehab, Michener Institute, UofT Research) – Semester 2 – information to come – due date TBA
    • STEAM-D (equity focused program) – Semester 2 – information to come – due date TBA

6. The Trades – these programs often require students to attend alternative schools

    • PACE (4-credits ONLY, pre-apprenticeship placements in the trades with TDSB including electrician, plumber/pipe trades, carpenter, HVAC, sheet metal, bricklayer; start/end times: 7 am to 3 pm) – Semester 2 – December 9, 2022
    • STEP to Construction (4-credits ONLY, students continue to be registered with and attend DMCI, specialized trades program that focus on the construction trades) – Semester 2 – information to come – November 18, 2022
    • STEP to Transportation (students continue to be registered with and attend DMCI, 4 + 1 credit specialized trades program with the TTC; 16 years old, 16 credits, 2 reference letters) – Semester 2 – information to come – November 18, 2022

7. Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program - start working towards your trades certificate while taking co-op!

    • Regular OYAP – to be organized with your co-op teacher
    • Specialized OYAP (1 year program for grade 12 students ONLY; operated out of Central Technical School including Carpentry, Cook, Cosmetology, Electrical, Plumbing, Transportation) .– Semester 2 – information to come – due date TBA
    • Accelerated OYAP (intensive 1 semester program that combines a co-op placement with an 8 week block of Level 1 training at a college or union training centre; 18 options available – go to oyaptdsb.com/accelerated-oyap for a full list of programs and recommended prerequisites) – Semester 2 ONLY – information to come – due date TBA

The Trades - ACC


VULNERABLE SECTOR SCREENING

Students who are 18 years of age or older who wish to work with vulnerable members of our community (children, seniors, people with disabilities) MUST complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening ReportIt may take up to 6 weeks to process your application so make sure to read and follow the instructions provided. Without the completion of this form students will NOT be allowed to start placement. Please see the Co-op Teacher if you have any questions. 

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR CO-OP?

1. Include COOP on your course selection sheet or see your Guidance Counselor.

2. Complete the Co-op Application - the form is the same from year to year. Co-op Application Form

3. Submit your completed application with a copy of your Credit Counseling Summary (see Guidance) and a copy of your Resume to the Co-op Drop Box in the main office.

4. Students will be notified, by the Co-op Teacher, should there be an interview. 
 

Thank-you to Our Co-op Partners

DMCI would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our partners present and past. Our students are always excited to start their work placements and contribute to their community.


  • Abu Huraira
  • Agueci Calabretta Law
  • Anthony's Cafe
  • Apple Tree Dental for Kids
  • Aristo Wellness Centre 
  • Big City Studios
  • Bier Markt
  • Blott Law
  • BMO
  • Bond Academy
  • Boston Pizza 
  • Brimley-Lawrence Animal Clinic
  • Cadillac Fairview - Fairview Mall
  • Calvin Klein - Fairview Mall 
  • Canadian Tire
  • Century 21 - Atria (Samantha Wilson)
  • Cohen LLP
  • Enzo's Automotive
  • Gateway Electric
  • Glow Fresh Grill & Wine Bar
  • GO Dodge Don Mills
  • GoodLife Fitness
  • Greenview Lodge Senior Care Residence
  • Import Auto
  • La Paloma
  • Lobster Burger Bar
  • Long & McQuade
  • Longo's - Laird
  • Mannville Auto Repair
  • Maple Cabinetry
  • McCann Realty Group
  • Mr Clean
  • National Thrift
  • North Toronto Animal Hospital
  • North York General Hospital
  • Ontario Science Centre
  • Oriole Landscaping
  • Physio-Dynamics & Sports Medicine
  • Physiomobility
  • RE/MAX West
  • Revelo
  • Roots
  • Salvation Army Thrift Store
  • Sherbourne Animal Hospital
  • Shoppers Drug Mart
  • Sigmund Soudack and Associates
  • Sobeys
  • Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
  • Sunset Grill - Eglinton/Laird
  • TDSB 
  • Thrift Store
  • Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation
  • Toyota on the Park
  • Toys R Us 
  • Transnomis
  • Wee Leprechauns Daycare
  • Wimpy’s Diner
  • YMCA

 

If you are interested in learning more about the Co-op program at Don Mills CI or you would like to host a Don Mills student please contact Ms. Veneziale at natalie.veneziale@tdsb.on.ca.

 




 

"Co-op education is an essential part of the Experiential Learning component that students need for success. Students get to try on a career, get shown a real life workplace and learn about what kind of work they excel at."

career