This document outlines the cooperative education program at Laura Secord Secondary School. It describes cooperative education as a planned learning experience that combines classroom learning with on-the-job experience. Students receive training in skills studied at school and develop workplace skills, while employers gain better trained potential employees and a way to recruit new talent. The program involves students, teachers, employers, and parents in a partnership to help students learn and explore career options.

1. Cooperative Education
Laura Secord Secondary School
District School Board of Niagara

2. Partnership
Between:
 The Student
 Co-op Teachers
 Employers
 Parents
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3. What is Co-op?
 A planned learning experience
 Combines classroom learning with
experience on the job
 Enables students to apply and refine skills
and knowledge from a related course
 Usually a two-credit program
 Student will usually spend either a morning
or afternoon at the workplace
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4. What’s in it for students?
 Receive on-the-job training
 Expand upon skills studied at school
 Develop attitude and skills needed to work
successfully
 Identify capabilities, limitations and
strengths
 Become aware of demands of employers
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5. What’s in it for students?
 Make more informed future career
decisions
 Make connections in a field that interests
them in the future – effect on resume
 Experience working with tools not
available in the school system
 Builds self-confidence while working
among adults
 Possible participation in OYAP program 5

6. How do students get into Co-op?
 Check off Co-op on their option sheet
 Fill out a Cooperative Education
Application and submit to the Co-op
Department
 Interviewed by Co-op Teacher to
determine whether a suitable placement
can be found
 Co-op Teacher attempts to match the
placement with student’s academic and
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career goals

7. Pre-Placement
 At the school
 Usually two weeks at beginning of the
semester
 Topics:
 Job Readiness and Interview Skills
 Workplace Opportunities and Challenges
 General Health and Safety Training, including
an introduction to WHMIS
 Responsibilities and Rights 7

8. Student Responsibilities
 Ensure all assignments and necessary paperwork is
completed prior to starting at the placement
 Complete Orientation and Site-Specific Safety Training
 Make transportation arrangements
 Attend the placement regularly and punctually and report
any absences
 Submit Weekly Reports outlining hours worked at the
placement
 Write a Weekly Journal entry reflecting on your
experiences
 Dress appropriately for the workplace
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9. Student Responsibilities
 Attend in-school integration sessions as outlined by the
co-op teacher
 Complete at least 220 hours combined work and school
time for 2 co-op credits
 Work safely and diligently at all times
 Report any injuries immediately
 Exhibit excellent work ethic at all times
 Represent the school in a positive manner in the
community
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10. What’s in it for Employers?
 Increases the numbers of better-trained,
better-prepared workers
 Provides skilled workers needed for
today’s competitive market
 Attracts youth to industry sectors facing
skill shortages
 Brings fresh, new ideas and perspectives
into the workplace
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11. What’s in it for Employers?
 Builds the leadership skills of your existing
team
 Closer partnerships between schools and
the community
 Cost-efficient, effective means of training
future workforce
 Low-risk method of recruiting
 Economic Development and Growth
enhanced with well-trained workforce 11

12. O.Y.A.P.
 Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
 Allows students to begin working toward
an apprenticeship during high school
 Must be tied to a co-op placement
 Sponsorship for OYAP does not mean
sponsorship for the full apprenticeship
 Four Sectors: Construction, Industrial,
Motive Power and Service Sectors
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13. S.H.S.M.
 Specialist High Skills Major
 Enables students to gain sector-specific skills and
knowledge
 Includes at least one co-op placement in a related
workplace
 Also sector-recognized certification and training
 DSBN currently runs 19 SHSM programs
 Laura Secord SHSM in Arts & Culture
 Construction, Communications, Hospitality, and
Manufacturing
 A chance for employers to become important 13
partners

14. Recent Partners
 Norwood Stairs and Railings
 Allati Photo Studio
 Marlin Travel
 Big Brothers – Big Sisters
 Hairquarters
 Carstar Collision
 Bicknell Racing Products
 Ideal Plumbing
 Pine Street Dental
 Firestone Tire Centre
 Days Inn 14

15. School Contacts
 Mr. Balsom
 Mrs. Wilson
 Ms. Predovich
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16. FOR INFORMATION ON-LINE:
CO-OP:
OYAP: