What is Cooperative Education (Co-op)?
Cooperative Education is a ministry-approved program that allows students to earn secondary school credits while completing a work placement. The program consists of a co-op course monitored by a cooperative education teacher, a related curriculum course in any subject and a work placement.
Students can apply two co-op credits towards their compulsory high school graduation requirements, with no limit on earning optional co-op credits. Co-op placements are arranged for students by their secondary school and must follow Ministry of Education policy and guidelines.
Who is it for?
Co-op programs are for secondary students who are heading for apprenticeship, college, university or the workplace.
Key benefits of co-op programs
- Co-op students have the opportunity to:
- Experience hands-on learning
- “Test-drive” career options
- See the relevance of their classroom learning
- Earn credits through workplace experience
- Develop the essential skills and habits required in the workplace
- Gain valuable work experience that will help build a resumé for postsecondary programs and future employment.
