​Cooperative education and work experience programs offer students another way of expanding their interests and exploring their career options. Cooperative education is a planned learning experience in the community that complements and enhances school courses and provides students with an opportunity to learn and to apply their skills and knowledge in practical situations. (Ministry of Education and Training)

Co-op has a classroom component and a placement component. Students choose a 2-credit co-op which takes place in the morning or the afternoon. Students must be enrolled in, or have already completed, a course in the senior division. This course is linked to the work placement experience. Regular "Integration Days" are to allow students to participate in thoughtful discussions and activities, which cause them to analyze the very reasons why and how people work, and the complex interactions which take place day to day in the workplace.

Through the placement component, students gain experience in the use of equipment which may not be available in school, and they are exposed to new techniques and expertise. Students have been placed in a wide variety of businesses such as legal firms, accounting offices, broadcasting companies, libraries, municipal and provincial departments, museums, day cares, hospitals, hotels, fitness clubs, schools, manufacturing companies, woodworking firms, architecture firms, and construction firms.

Application Process

Due to the unique nature of the cooperative education experience, students must follow the application process outlined below.  

• On your Course Selection Sheet, fill in two spaces with "Co-op." This will lead to a morning or an afternoon co-op placement. (A 1-credit co-op placement is not available.) 
• Next complete a Co-op Application Form with the required teacher signatures and follow the application submission procedure. 
• A cooperative education teacher will interview each student who identified interest in the program through the course selection process. The co-op teacher and student will discuss placement options, transportation issues and program requirements. These interviews will take place beginning in March and culminating in early June when students are notified about their status. 

Criteria for Student Acceptance

• 16 years of age and should be in grade 11 or 12
• Mature, positive attitude, punctual, good attendance record, 
• Willingness to learn 
• Ability to follow the policies and procedures of the workplace and school
• Ability to follow health and safety regulations in the workplace 
• Necessary educational background as indicated on the credit counseling summary