Co-op is an experiential learning program that allows students to integrate classroom study with experiences in the workplace.

A co-op course must be based on a "related" course (or courses) in which the student is enrolled or which s/he has successfully completed. The co-op course and the related course together constitute a student's co-op program, designed to suit the student's strengths, interests and needs to enhance the student's preparation for the future.

Co-op involves a partnership between education and business consisting of students, parents, teachers and employers. Students may spend half a day to a full day in their work placements and have the opportunity to learn by "doing" with on-the-job training. Pre-placement and integration classes also provide the student with instruction on topics such as Workplace Health and Safety, Employment Laws, Workplace Ethics, Human Rights and Effective Communication.


WHY TAKE CO-OP?

Co-op students:

  • develop employability skills and on-the-job training
  • develop a good work ethic
  • gain valuable work experience that can help when applying to post-secondary institutions or when entering the world of work
  • establish relationships with employers and supervisors within the community
  • feel a sense of pride and ownership over their learning
  • feel like they are contributing to the wider community
  • explore potential careers and learn more about post-secondary options

COMPONENTS OF THE CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM
All Ontario co-op programs have specific requirements, which include the following:

1. PRE-COURSE INTERVIEW AND COUNSELLING:
The purpose of this initial interview with the student is to ensure that:

  • the student is ready to undertake learning in the workplace
  • the placement is appropriate to the student's goals and interests

2. PRE-PLACEMENT INSTRUCTION:
Instruction must be provided on:

  • health and safety in the workplace
  • employment law and unions
  • workplace ethics, human rights and confidentiality

3. PERSONALIZED PLACEMENT LEARNING PLAN (PPLP):
A PPLP must be developed for each student. It must be:

  • based on expectations from the Ontario curriculum and industry-specific employers
  • developed by the co-op teacher in partnership with the employer and student

4. ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION:
A qualified teacher will assess and evaluate a student's progress in achieving the expectations identified in the PPLP through regular workplace monitoring visits (a minimum of three per credit). During these visits, the teacher will:

  • observe student performance of workplace tasks
  • conduct formal evaluations with the student's supervisor
  • troubleshoot problem situations
  • plan next steps in the student's learning

Student achievement is also assessed through:

  • written assignments, seminar presentations and reflective journals
  • career portfolios
  • a culminating independent-study activity that links the student's co-operative education placement experience with the curriculum expectations of the related course
  • performance appraisals written by the placement supervisor (a minimum of two)

5. REGULAR IN-SCHOOL INTEGRATION SESSIONS:
In-school sessions provide students with opportunities to:

  • analyze and share their workplace experience
  • relate the placement experience to the curriculum expectations
  • reinforce the job-skills theory acquired in the classroom and the skills, techniques and principles learned at the placement

For additional information regarding the Co-operative Education program, please contact

Mrs. Doris Aitken
Head of Experiential and Alternative Learning
doris.aitken@ugdsb.on.ca
519-821-0360 ext. 320