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Prayer of St. Augustine

Breathe in me O Holy Spirit,
that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me O Holy Spirit,
that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart O Holy Spirit,
that I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me O Holy Spirit,
to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit,
that I always may be holy.

Amen.

St. Augustine of Hippo
Bishop, Writer, Doctor

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Cooperative Education
Written by Cooperative Education Head   
Friday, 28 November 2008 17:41

Investing in the Future

Real success is finding your lifework in the work that you love.
David McCullough (1933 - )

Course Calendar

Fact Sheet

Poster

Cooperative Education combines classroom theory with practical experience in a workplace. Cooperative Education is an avenue for a student to earn credits towards an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or an Ontario Secondary School Certificate and credits towards the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

Cooperative Education is based on a partnership between a school and business/industry and involves the participation of students, teachers, and placement supervisors. Students are provided with the opportunity to explore career options, to experience the practical aspects of a job, and to understand employer expectations.

Students are selected through an interview process. Admission is generally offered to students in grades 11 and 12. A student is placed in a workplace that best matches educational needs with the interests of a community partner. Before being placed, each student attends pre-placement sessions at the school. These sessions include the following topics: resume writing; letters of application; interview skills; health and safety awareness; labour laws; confidentiality; ethics; log entries; journal writing and development of the Personalized Placement Learning Plan (PPLP).

Benefits to the Student

  • Explore tentative career choices
  • Gain valuable work experience
  • Strengthen employment skills through on the job training
  • Improve qualifications for future employment
  • Experience employment related situations
  • Use equipment not available in the school
  • Make a smoother transition from school to work or postsecondary education
  • Obtain employment references
  • Discover personal interests and abilities
  • Develop confidence and self-reliance
  • Earn secondary school credits while gaining practical job experience
  • Possibility of future employment with the company

Benefits to the Community Partner

  • Provides an opportunity to participate directly in the education of students
  • Provides an opportunity for professional growth
  • Provides an opportunity to demonstrate community involvement
  • Provides an opportunity to assess and recruit future employees

Benefits to the Community

  • Makes effective use of community resources
  • Creates a positive image of the community
  • Helps keep school programs relevant and teachers and students aware of the challenges and expectations of the 21 st century workplace

Health and Safety

During pre-placement students are taught:

  • An understanding of workplace health and safety rules
  • The appropriate use of safety equipment, including fire extinguishers and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • An understanding of the need for personal protective equipment, including goggles, gloves, boots, and aprons
  • An understanding of the occupational health and safety act
  • The correct handling of materials and equipment as specified in the workplace hazardous materials information systems (WHMIS) training program
  • An understanding of the coverage provided by the workplace safety and insurance act
  • The procedures for reporting accidents
  • The procedures for reporting unsafe practices

The Ministry of Education covers students involved in Cooperative Education, Work Experience, and OYAP under the Workers’ Compensation Act.

OYAP

Every student attending a secondary school in the York Catholic District School Board has the opportunity to be involved in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). Students are able to explore exciting careers in apprenticeship occupations through the Cooperative Education program.

Students, parents/guardians and employers are encouraged to explore the benefits of OYAP, and to discover how OYAP provides choices and pathways towards successful careers.

Quotes from Students (regarding their placements)

“I didn’t know the amount of stress that was involved.”

“My co-op placement has shown me I do not want to be in this line of business.”

For further information contact a member of the St. Augustine coop department at (905) 887-6171.
Last Updated ( Friday, 28 November 2008 17:45 )