Co operative Education
Co op FAQ
Is co op only for students in certain academic pathways?
Co op is available for students in all four post secondary pathways: College, University, Apprenticeship and Workplace.
What kinds of placements are available?
Our co op program includes a broad range of post secondary pathways including Health Care, Business, Marketing, Police, Dental Hygiene, Veterinarian, Media, Skilled Trades, and Engineering..
How do students find a co op placement?
Once they choose Co op in their Course Selection process in MyBlueprint, students complete a Co op Application form which provides details such as their interests, post secondary goals and preferred geographic location. Students then complete a pre-co op interview with the Co op Director, who then provides assistance in determining the best co op positions and connects them with possible employers for an interview. Students will submit a resume and meet with the employer before securing the placement. In some cases, the student may have a specific placement already in mind and will make the contacts on their own. .
When is the best time to take a co op placement?
This will be different for every student. A number of factors can impact this decision: course scheduling, timing/availability of the co op placement, seasonal considerations for the placement, mode of transportation. Some students have been able to schedule a complementary course in the same semester and have benefitted from the “real world” application of course material. (E.g. a senior biology and health science placement or Vet tech co op; an exercise science and a physiotherapy or ultra sound placement; an advanced computer studies course and a coding or design placement in advanced manufacturing.
How much of co op is spent at placement vs. in the classroom?
Students are required to complete seven half day pre-placement classes plus a half day orientation before the co op begins, and also attend eight additional Integration days during the co op semester (usually 2 per month). There are about 65 school days at placement each semester. Students are not required to attend co op on PD days or school holidays.
How many hours at placement are required for a credit to be completed?
A student must complete 110 hours for each credit awarded. This includes about 25 hours of in- class time per semester.
What is the maximum number of credits a student may earn in a semester?
Four is the maximum number of Co op credits that can be earned in a semester.
How many co op credits can be applied towards the HDCH Diploma?
A maximum of 1 credit can be applied towards the compulsory credits of the HDCH Diploma (Group 3 Requirement). There is no limit to the number of co op courses that can applied to the OSSD, provided all other HDCH requirements and compulsory OSSD courses are completed.
How do students fit a co op placement into their program?
Academic requirements of different post secondary programs vary, so students typically begin planning their schedule in Grade 10 to ensure they will have space for a placement in Grade 11 or 12 Co op. Students need to make sure they plan for the required courses needed for their program and the timing of the co op placement. In some cases, completing an independent course can be helpful as well.
Has your question not been answered here?
Contact Richard Van Egmond with any additional questions about this program.