The Co-operative Education Program (co-op) allows students to earn credits by integrating course curriculum with learning at a work placement. Students in all pathways--apprenticeship, college, community living, university, or the workplace--can participate.

Co-op programs are available in all secondary schools. They can be designed to include up to four credits per semester to a maximum of 12 co-op credits towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Students are monitored and supported in their learning by the placement supervisor and co-op teachers.

Benefits to students:

• gain workplace experience in a unique learning environment outside the classroom
• develop employability skills and work habits that are applicable to the workplace
• participate in hands-on learning in a safe and encouraging environment
  
• choose a work placement based on their interests, readiness and needs
• connect and build relationships with potential future employers

A co-operative education placement in a skilled trade is referred to as an OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program) placement. For more information, visit OYAP programs.

Employers

Interested in becoming involved as an employer in our co-operative education program?

Co-operative education is the fastest growing area of secondary school education. Co-operative education will be satisfying and productive for you and your co-op student.

Please refer to the following:

• Employer Letter
• Guide for employers
• Adolescents in your workplace
• Getting your organization involved
• Employer Lead Sheet

The Placement Supervisor's Guide provides an overview of the expectations for and the responsibilities of a placement supervisor who agrees to have a co-op or work experience student.

Centralized Co-operative Education Program

Within the database, there are organizations that provide centralized placements. These organizations have specifically requested to be contacted only through the co-op education placement officer at the HJA Brown Education Centre.

The timeframe for applying to these organizations listed below is normally April 30 for semester 1 and Nov. 30 for semester 2.

If you would like further information about eligibility requirements for the centralized employers and an application form, speak to the co-operative education teacher at your school.

Employers and positions available may vary from semester to semester.

The centralized organizations are:

• Brampton Fire – The Fire and Life Safety Education Centre
• Canadian Forces – Army Reserve
• The City of Brampton
• The City of Mississauga
• The Credit Valley Hospital and Trillium Health Centre
• Donato Salon and Spa
• Habitat for Humanity - Halton/Mississauga and GTA
• Lexsan Electrical Inc.
• Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services
• The Mississauga News
• Peel Regional Police
• PLASP
• Rogers T.V.
• Speigel, Nichols, Fox Law Office
• William Osler Health System – Brampton Civic Hospital and Brampton Centennial Secondary School – Caring for the Future Application

For applications to other hospitals in the GTA area, contact your co-operative education teacher.

There are opportunities for co-op students to work with the computer technology support specialist in the schools.Contact your co-operative education teacher to apply.