Cooperative Education -- It's Working!
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-Course Interview & Counselling
The purpose of this initial interview with the student is to ensure that:
the student is ready and committed to undertake learning in the workplace
the placement is appropriate to the student’s goals and interests
Pre-Placement Instruction
Instruction must be provided on:
health and safety in the workplace
employment law and unions
workplace ethics, human rights and confidentiality
Why take Coop?
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
Personalized Placement Learning Plan (PPLP)
A PPLP must be developed for each student. It must be:
based on expectations from the related course in the Ontario curriculum and industry-specific requirements
developed by the co-op teacher in partnership with the employer and student
Regular In-School Integration Sessions
These periodic sessions provide students with the opportunity to analyse and share their workplace experience.
Click here for Assessment and Evaluation Practices
You may contact Mr. Murphy (Co-op teacher) for information about Co-op placements available to our Erin DHS students or if you wish to provide Co-op work placements for our students.
MR. DAVID MURPHY
Cooperative Education Teacher