Cooperative education offers students an opportunity to earn high school credits through a course that integrates classroom theory and learning experiences in a workplace, which enables students to apply and refine the knowledge and skills acquired in a related high school course.

By participating in cooperative education, students develop their skills, interests and professional connections while still in high school, in almost any industry. Students can also participate in a number of central programs, working in occupations in healthcare, hospitality, uniformed services, banking and finance, or drama. Students can also participate in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program through their cooperative education courses.

Cooperative education involves a partnership between education and business, industry, agriculture, labour, or community organizations that includes students, teachers, parents, employers, and placement supervisors. Additional participants may be involved in the case of exceptional students and other students with special needs.

Co-op is beneficial for students who plan to enter university, college, apprenticeships and the workplace after high school. Students can also take cooperative education courses more than once, and up to two cooperative education courses can count towards a student’s compulsory credits.

Designing Your Future, Grade 11, Open (GWL3O)

This course prepares students to make successful transitions to postsecondary destinations as they investigate specific postsecondary options based on their skills, interests, and personal characteristics. Students will explore the realities and opportunities of the workplace and examine factors that affect success, while refining their job-search and employability skills. Students will develop their portfolios with a focus on their targeted destination and develop an action plan for future success.

Navigating the Workplace, Grade 12, Open (GLN4O)

This course provides students with opportunities to develop the workplace essential skills and work habits required for success in all types of workplaces. Students will explore occupations and careers of interest through participation in real workplace experiences.They will make plans for continued learning and work,work with others to design learning experiences, and investigate the resources and support required to make a smooth transition to their postsecondary destination.