Cooperative Education

About Co-op

The program provides students with a planned learning experience, for which credits are granted, that integrates classroom theory and learning experiences at a workplace.  Students are able to apply and refine the knowledge and skills acquired in a related secondary school course.

What is Cooperative Education?

Cooperative Education is a planned learning experience, for which credits are earned, that integrates classroom theory and learning experiences at a workplace to enable students to apply and refine the knowledge and skills acquired in a related course. Students are generally out in a workplace for a half day (morning or afternoon) for a whole semester (The first semester is from September to January and the second semester is from February to June). The tasks that are performed at the work site relate to a course that is either being taken presently or in a previous semester. Students will participate in a pre-placement orientation (for a duration of approximately 20 hours) where they will learn about resume writing, interview skills, health and safety before they are able to go to a work site. Students will meet on a monthly basis with the Cooperative Education Teacher in a group session to reflect on what they are learning.

Who is involved?

Cooperative Education is a partnership among education and business that involves students, teachers, parents and employers. In the District School Board of Niagara, approximately 2,500 students and 1,700 employers participate in the Cooperative Education program every year. The Cooperative Education Teacher will interview the student to find a placement that meets the student’s needs and career goal. The placement must also relate to a subject that is currently being taken or has taken previously.

What students will learn?

  • To learn how to look for a job
  • To write a resume and prepare for an interview
  • To receive on-the-job training in a related subject area
  • To expand on the skills studied at school in a practical way and use equipment that might not be available in a secondary school  
  • To develop the attitude and skills necessary to work successfully
  • To identify capabilities, limitations, strengths and future career direction
  • To become more aware of the demands and responsibilities of employment
  • To participate in an alternative method of earning credits
  • To earn hours toward an apprenticeship and register for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). For more information about this program, check out our page about OYAP.

How are students selected for the program?

Check off co-op on the option sheet that is filled out in February for the next school year Complete the Cooperative Education Application form that is available from the Cooperative Education or Student Services office in the secondary school The Cooperative Education Teacher will interview the student to discuss the program and determine if a suitable placement can be found that meets the student’s academic and career goals.  

How are credits earned?

Students are at a work site for a specific number of hours for the duration of the semester. Cooperative Education teachers and Principals grant credits based on the number of hours worked. Students must also complete specific assignments and submit weekly log sheets to the teacher on a regular basis. As of the 2005-06 school year, students can now count up to two Cooperative Education credits towards the 18 compulsory credits needed for a high school diploma.  

What are the student's responsibilities?

  • Complete and sign the DSBN Cooperative Education Student Handbook before going out to the work site
  • Work with the employer / supervisor to complete the Personalized Placement Safety Plan that is in the Student Handbook
  • Review the completed Student Handbook with the Cooperative Education Teacher before the work starts at the placement
  • Get immunizations or a police waiver depending on the type of placement and the requirements of the employer
  • Make transportation arrangements to and from the work site
  • Attend the work site and the in-school sessions on a regular and punctual basis
  • Follow the instructions of the Cooperative Education Teacher for reporting absences and lates
  • Complete all assignments and weekly log sheets on a regular basis
  • Work safely and diligently following all rules (for both the secondary school and the employer)
  • Report any workplace accident immediately to the employer / supervisor AND the Cooperative Education teacher
  • Dress appropriately for the work site and wear any Personal Protective Equipment as required by the employer / supervisor
  • Represent the school in a positive manner in the community

Useful Links

Acknowledgments

Thank you to the following community partners for their involvement with the Cooperative Education Program at Beamsville District Secondary School during the 2011-2012 school year
  • Action Auto
  • Al's Lube
  • Albright Manor
  • Beamsville Co-operative Nursery School
  • Beamsville D. S.S. Special Needs Department
  • Belmar Welding
  • Bosch-Rexroth
  • Butcher and Banker
  • Giant Tiger , Smithville
  • Grimsby Benevolent Fund
  • Grimsby Fire Department
  • Hendriks Greenhouses
  • Jacob Beam Elementary School - Ms. Haney
  • Mama Rae's Diner
  • Niagara Region - Smithville Fleet Shop
  • Old Mill Artisan's
  • Rexall, Beamsville
  • Sandy's Pet Salon
  • Senator Gibson Elementary School - Ms. Pitre and Ms. Sinett
  • SNAP Fitness
  • Sobeys, Beamville
  • Sundawn Enterprises
  • The Employment Help Centre
  • Vacci Hair Salon
  • Victoria and Greenlane Auto
  • Vineland Elementary School
  • West Niagara Animal Hospital
  • WPB Custom Welding
  • Youth For Christ, Vineland