Co-Operative Education & OYAP

Co-Operative Education & OYAP

Co-Operative Education

Co-Operative Education is an experiential way of learning that integrates academic study and classroom theory with experiences at a work site. Students are selected through a counselling and interviewing process.  Because Co-Operative Education requires a certain educational background, skill, and maturity level, admission will be generally restricted to students who are at least 16 years of age and earning credits in the senior division.

Prior to being placed in the work place, students attend approximately two weeks of pre-placement orientation classes. Students are then placed in training stations where they have the opportunity to learn by doing, following individualized training plans. As well, students are given time to share and analyse their work experiences with their peers in structured classroom activities. Students are evaluated by the teacher-monitor as well as the employer-supervisor in regards to workplace performance, journals and integration assignments.

Benefits for the student

The student has a practical opportunity to test skills and training originating in the classroom environment:

• To seek out information and “first hand” opinions about the nature and employment prospects of potential career choices.
• To discover and to acquire important interpersonal skills necessary for survival in the workplace.
• To use up-to-date and specialized equipment and machinery, not always available in the schools.
• To develop individual maturity and job competence through careful supervision and proper counselling.
• To earn diploma credits following successful completion of a training plan in a co-op placement within the community.
• To increase prospects for summer employment and/or a job placement after graduation.

All students who wish to enrol in a Co-Operative Education course or program must complete an application form and participate in a structured interview, with a Cooperative Education teacher. This requirement is necessary to ensure that the student has the interest, educational background and maturity to meet the demands of a Co-Operative Education experience.

The student selection process, of which the interview is an integral part, must follow the procedures and selection criteria established at the school. Consideration should be given to the following criteria:

• A sincere desire to participate
• An acceptable academic and attendance record
• A willingness to accept responsibility and to follow instructions
• The potential to benefit from the experience
• The recommendations by teachers in the school

The principal shall have the final decision as to which students are accepted for a Co-Operative Education experience.

OYAP – Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) provides grades 11 and 12 students with the opportunity to participate in a work experience placement in a skilled trade while working toward the completion of a grade 12 diploma. Students who demonstrate potential may have the opportunity to register officially as apprentices.

Students who register under the OYAP option will earn cooperative education credits while participating in either a half day or full day work experience placement alongside a qualified journeyperson in a skilled trade. Placements can be in either the motive, service, industrial or construction sector in restricted, compulsory or voluntary skilled trades.

OYAP is designed to:

• Introduce students to careers in a variety of skilled trades.
• Help students develop practical hands-on experience in a skilled trade of their choice.

Eligibility Criteria

Students who may be eligible for the OYAP option:

• Are at least 16 years of age
• Have completed grade 10 (at least 16 credits)
• Have senior credits in the skilled trade of their interest
• Enjoy learning by doing
• Are recommended by the guidance counsellor and the cooperative education teacher
• Demonstrate a career focus in a skilled trade, a strong interest in learning a trade, aptitude, maturity and commitment

For further information, please contact your guidance office or the cooperative education teacher.