Barrie NorthCollegiate Institute

Cooperative Education (Co-op) is a Grade 11 and/or 12 course that allows students to earn high school credits while working in a community placement.  It is designed to promote closer associations between students and working adults who are willing to share their knowledge.

The course allows students to develop essential skills and work habits that will support them in their learning at school and afterwards. Students pursuing postsecondary pathways in apprenticeship, college, military, university, and directly to the workplace would benefit from the experience of co-op to confirm their career interests. Through practical experience, students will learn firsthand what is required to become a valued and safe worker.  Students will create and implement a learning plan that builds upon their knowledge, interests, and allows for reflection on their learning for growth.

Benefits of Co-op

• Experience hands-on learning in the workplace
• Gain valuable work experience for your resume
• Discover new personal strengths and skills
• Build and refine employability skills
• Help guide and confirm postsecondary interests
• Develop a network on contacts
• Earn up to four credits each semester
• Opportunity to start an apprenticeship through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
• Meet Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) requirements
• Two credits of co-op can be used to fulfill mandatory diploma requirements

Community Based Placements

Below are a few of the possible work placements for students who demonstrate motivation to work:

Students and families should note that:

• Placement opportunities are not guaranteed, can be limited and/or competitive.Students must have a back-up plan
• Transportation to and from the workplace is typically the responsibility of student/family
• Canadian Forces (Military), Precision Metal Cutting Program, Rogers TV, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre and many full day skilled trades-based placements may require advanced application in the months ahead of semester start
• Co-op students who demonstrate motivation, skill, and interest could start an apprenticeship at the discretion of the employer through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). Students must meet minimum workplace age requirements and have 14 credits to be eligible for OYAP
• Co-op is an integral part/requirement of Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM)
• Credits are granted based on the time spent in the placement where knowledge & skills are acquired and related assignments
• Co-op credits may be counted towards 12 optional credits required for graduation and/or for up to 2 of the 3 compulsory Group 1, 2 or 3 credits required for graduation

Courses

Grade 11 or 12 - GWL3O2: Cooperative Education – 2 credits (Half Day)

The student is at the workplace for a total of ~12.5 hours/week either in the morning or afternoon portion of each school day. The student is enrolled in classes at the school for the other portion of the day. Two credit co-op is a 220 hour course package.

Grade 11 or 12 - GLN4O4: Cooperative Education – 4 credits (Full Day)

The student is at the workplace for the entire day.  Since four credits make up a full semester, students choosing a full-day co-op are encouraged to explore their interests and have a general direction in mind before the semester begins.  Four credit co-op is a 440 hour course package.

Contact Us

For more information about the Cooperative Education program, please call (705) 726-6541 extension 41122.

Attention Businesses:
If you are interested in mentoring a high school co-op student at your business, please contact [email protected] to learn more about the Cooperative Education program and how it can benefit your organization! 

• Information For Employers
• Frequently Asked Questions