Cooperative Education (Co-op) is a unique learning opportunity that extends classroom learning into business, industry and the community. The opportunity to experience the workplace helps students explore career options and gather information they need to make informed decisions about their post secondary destinations. Students increase their self-knowledge while developing valuable transferable skills and gain an understanding of the importance of attitude, teamwork and personal management skills in the workplace. Those students planning for the workplace destination, co-op facilitates the transition from school into work.
Cooperative Education programs combine a full-semester, half-day work placement in the community with a school-based classroom component to earn 2 co-op credits. Up to a maximum of 2 co-op credits can now be used as part of the 18 compulsory credits required by students to earn their diploma.
The classroom component of co-op helps students:
- prepare for the work placement
- make connections, regularly throughout the semester, between experiences in the workplace and the learning in the subject to which the co-op credit is related
- reflect on and analyze their experiences in the workplace
During the pre-placement orientation, the Co-op Teacher meets with the student to begin development of the student’s Personalized Placement Learning Plan (PPLP), which forms the course of study for the student.
The placement component of co-op provides students with the opportunity to:
- expand and apply the knowledge and skills learned in a school subject in a workplace setting.
There is a formal application procedure for all Co-op programs.
Students enrolled in Co-operative Education:
- are regularly monitored and assessed by their Co-op Teacher
- have regular performance appraisals by their employer
- are covered under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board through the Ministry of Education
- may have opportunities for part-time employment at their placement outside of their co-op program.
- earn high school credits and valuable work experience
To learn more about other regional School to Career experiential learning programs, see the School to Career Guidance Counsellor in your school or contact Mr. Leonard (leonardp@hcdsb.org)
Some students are enrolled in Holy Trinity’s Specialist High Skills Major in Business OR Arts & Culture. One of the requirements for SHSM is 2-credit co-op.
If you are interested in enrolling in our growing CO-OP program – please fill out the form and return immediately to the Guidance Office.
Holy Trinity Co-Op Application Form
Links:
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Co-op
