NSS Cooperative Education
WHAT IS COOPERATIVE EDUCATION?
Cooperative Education is a unique program for students integrating academic study with practical work experience. 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.
WHY TAKE CO-OP?
Explore a career field that interests you
Help you choose a future area of study
Improve your qualifications and skills
Build a better resume for future jobs
Enhance your portfolio for college or university
Network and develop references
Earn credits towards your high school diploma
HOW DOES CO-OP WORK?
Co-op students take part in both in-school (approximately 30 hours of classroom time) and out-of-school components (approximately 190 hours for 2-credit Co-op).
The in-school component requires pre-placement classes covering topics such as resumes, interview skills, health and safety in the workplace, and employment legislation. Throughout the year there will be periodic classes covering other employment related topics. Assignments are to be completed throughout the year including an end of year culminating project.
The out-of-school component is the placement experience.
Two or four credit co-op options are available.
Students attend their work placements during the periods scheduled on their timetables instead of being at school.
WHEN CAN YOU TAKE CO-OP?
Students may take Co-op in grade 11 and/or 12. You are permitted to take Co-op more than once. You may want to consult your Guidance counsellor regarding appropriate timing.
It may be difficult to fit in your timetable in grade 12 due to courses you must take to apply to certain post-secondary programs. Co-op does not count toward your 6 grade 12 courses required to apply to university and some other degree programs.
It is generally recommended that you take Co-op as soon as you can so that you may start exploring your career interests and post-secondary plans.
WHAT TYPES OF PLACEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
Note: Not all of the career fields listed below are available each year. Other career fields are possible depending on placement availability and suitability.
Some examples include:
ART (ex. retail store, school, architecture, art administration)
BUSINESS STUDIES (ex. accounting, finance, marketing, real estate)
COMPUTER STUDIES (computer repair, programming)
ENGLISH (ex. journalism, media studies)
FAMILY STUDIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Fashion (retail store)
Food and Nutrition (restaurant, bakery)
Parenting (daycare, school)
Psychology (seniors’ retirement home, academic research, school)
GEOGRAPHY (travel and tourism)
HISTORY/LAW (law , political office, police)
MUSIC (retail store, school)
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (teacher assistant, physiotherapy)
SCIENCE (ex. hospital, vet clinic, pharmacy, optometrist, physiotherapist, dental, electrician)
TECHNOLOGICAL STUDIES
Automotive Technology (ex. auto service technician)
Construction Technology (ex. plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, cabinetmaker, electrician, home renovations, retail supply store) **Hands on construction trade placements require 4 credit full-day co-op.
Communications Technology (ex. architecture, computer repair)
ARMY RESERVE (4 credit, full day, second semester only)
WHAT IS OYAP?
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a program that opens the door to work in apprenticeship occupations through the co-operative education program. Students have an opportunity to become registered apprenticeships and work towards becoming certified journeypersons in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diplomas.
Links to TDSB OYAP information are shown below:
HOW DO YOU GET A CO-OP PLACEMENT?
Choose a placement where students have worked before
You have a contact through family or friends for a new placement
Come to us with a new placement idea and we'll look into it for you
HOW DO YOU APPLY TO THE CO-OP PROGRAM?
Join the Google Classroom for 2023/2024 Co-op Applicants (jia5aw7). The Co-op Application is in the Classwork section.
Submit the Co-op Application to Google Classroom no later than Friday March 3, 2023.
Select COOP-02 (2 credits) or COOP-04 (4 credits) in myBlueprint.
Meet with a co-op teacher to discuss your placement interests. (April/May)
Interview with a co-op placement. (June or during 2022 school year)
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email: john.giles@tdsb.on.ca or paul.kralik@tdsb.on.ca
Phone: 416-393-0284
Mr. Giles (ext. 20312) or Mr. Kralik (ext. 20138)
Co-op Office: Room 312