There is a broad range of opportunities available to our students in Cooperative Education, including in Health Care, Business, Farming and the Veterinarian sector, Skilled Trades, Early Childhood Education, Engineering, and Construction.
Here the answers to the most asked questions.
How do students find a co-op placement?
Once students have decided to take co-op they will meet with the Co-op Teacher to discuss their interests, goals and geographical location preference. The teacher will provide assistance in determining a suitable placement opportunity with potential employers. Students will be requested to submit a resume/cover letter and interview with the employer before securing a placement. Sometimes students have a specific placement in mind, and make the connections on their own.
How much of co-op is spent in the classroom vs. at placement?
Students are required to complete 6-8 half day pre-placement classes, attend 2-4 in-class integration days (about 1 per month) and finally, attend 2-3 half days in-class at the end of the semester for final presentations. The amount of time in-class depends on whether the student is enrolled in “DCO3O” or the “Related Course”. The rest of the time throughout the semester, aside from holidays and PD days, will be at placement.
What is the difference between “DCO3O” and “Related Course”?
DCO3O is a 2 credit course taken the first time a student enrolls in co-op. It is an introduction to cooperative education. ‘Related course’ refers to the 2 credit course students enroll in after they have completed DCO3O (or in tandem) and is a course where students make connections between GLC2O (Careers) and their work.
How many hours at placement are required?
A student must complete a minimum of 110 hours per credit (2 credits = 220 hours). This includes in-class time. Students must remain at placement until the end of the semester regardless of the amount of hours completed.
Can students be paid at co-op?
ECHS does not expect that students will be paid for assigned Co-op placement time, but it is not prohibited. Students may also be awarded a nominal honorarium toward additional work related expenses like transportation, lunch, uniforms or equipment.
What is OYAP?
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) provides an opportunity for students who are interested in compulsory trades to participate in the co-op program. Students may not participate in these trades unless they have enrolled into the OYAP program as part of their co-op experience. See a list of compulsory trades here.
Students are covered through Sage Benefit Solutions from the time they begin work at the placement and they are covered through WSIB Insurance as well. You may not start work until the required forms have been completed and returned. Students and their parents may elect to purchase additional insurance.