Co-operative Education

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How Many Credits Do I Earn For Taking Co-Op?

• You will earn four credits if you successfully complete co-op: two employability credits and two related subject credits (based on courses already completed or courses in which you are concurrently enrolled).
• Co-op credits can be applied to any of the twelve "elective credits" required OR up to three of the "compulsory credit" requirement of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

When Do I Go Out On My Co-Op Placement?

• Depending on your timetable you will be on either 1/3 day or 2/4 day schedule. September will be spent in school covering mandatory pre-placement topics and on-site placement will begin in early October.
• Co-op hours are business hours (the hours normally worked by employees in the field that you have chosen), NOT school hours. Normal hours of work in most fields is seven or eight hours per day (not including lunch break).
• One day per month you will be required to attend Co-op in-school classes to discuss progress and complete various assignments related to employability skills.

Is There An Exam In Co-Op?

• There is no formal exam. You will participate in two in-depth interviews during the normal evaluation weeks and your resulting grade will be based on these interviews, your placement supervisor?s assessment, your teacher's assessment, and all reflections, daily logs, and other assignments that you are asked to complete.
• A portfolio will be produced throughout your co-op experience and you will present it to your teacher at your June interview. The quality and completeness of the portfolio will account for 30% of your final mark.

How Do I Get Into Co-Op?

• Select Co-op on your option sheet.
• Obtain and complete a Co-op Application Form: available in Co-op Office, Room 214.
• Provide not less than two letters of reference from people outside of the school system. Family and friends are not considered acceptable sources.

BENEFITS OF CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION

• provides assistance in making career decisions;
• promotes understanding of career possibilities and skill requirements;
• promotes an understanding of the link between what is learned in the classroom and how it is applied in the workplace;
• increases the opportunity for acceptance into apprenticeship programs, college, and university;
• develops transferable employability skills;
• provides references for future employers; and
• provides you with an alternative method of earning credits while doing something that you enjoy.

EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN OUR 2006/07 CO-OP