Business activity affects the daily lives of all Canadians as they work, spend, save, invest, travel, and play. It influences jobs, incomes, and opportunities for personal enterprise. Business has a significant effect on the standard of living and quality of life of Canadians, and on the environment in which they live and which future generations will inherit. Eventually, all students will encounter the world of business, whether they work in urban or rural areas.They must be prepared to engage in business activity with confidence and competence.Young people need to understand how business functions, the role it plays in our society, the opportunities it generates, the skills it requires, and the impact it can have on their own lives and on society, today and in the future.

The business studies program will build a strong foundation for those who wish to move on to further study and training in specialized areas such as management, international business, marketing, accounting, information and communication technology, or entrepreneurship. It will also provide practical skills for those who wish to move directly into the workplace.

Ontario Ministry of Education, The Ontario Curriculum Grades 11 and 12: Business Studies, 2006. p. 7.

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Would you like to learn more? Take a look at The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 and 10: Business Studies and The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: Business Studies.

Cooperative Education is a unique program for students, integrating academic study with practical experience in business and industry. This learning experience helps students make informed decisions about future careers. Students also develop the work habits, attitudes and job skills necessary for a successful transition from secondary school to the workplace or post-secondary education.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program is for students who are earning cooperative education credits for work experience in any of the 130 apprenticeship occupations.  The student may or may not be formally registered as an apprentice while attending secondary school.  OYAP is a school to work transition program allowing students to complete high school while developing work skills and building up hours towards the completion of an apprenticeship.

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Would you like to learn more? Take a look at The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: Cooperative Education.