THE FACTS
Frequently Asked Questions about Co-op
Q. What do I have to do to become a Co-op student?
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On your Course Option sheet , be sure to choose "Co-op" for two sections
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Complete a Co-op Registration form and submit to the Co-op Office by the deadline
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Attend your scheduled Co-op Interview
Q. What identifies a good Co-op candidate?
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Evidence of maturity and a positive attitude
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Good attendance record
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Willingness to learn
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Appropriate educational background for the type of placement requested
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Successful Work Experience 10 placements
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Respect for policies and procedures of the school and workplace expectations
Q. What is meant by a "Subject Link Course"?
Your 2-credit Co-op course must be linked to a subject you have already passed or one you will be taking the same time as your Co-op course.
You will link some of the expectations of this subject to your activities at your Co-op placement.
Q. How do I select my Co-op work placement site?
By looking at your Subject Link course, your interests & career plans - your Co-op teacher will work with you to identify an appropriate work placement.
A listing of previous Co-op work placements is available in the Co-op office for you to look at - also check out the Co-op Bulletin Board and Photo Gallery for pictures of previous Co-op students at their worksites.
You may have some ideas/suggestions of your own.
Co-op teachers try to meet your placement choices but have some back-up ideas in mind.
Q. When do I find out about my placement?
During the first two weeks of the semester all Co-op students are in school doing Pre-Placement activities.
During that period of time you will be informed and an interview will be arranged with the Co-op employer.
Q. What about health tests, Criminal Record Checks, etc.?
Depending on the placement, you may have to have TB tests or a Criminal Record Check completed prior to the start of some placements - e.g. Daycare Centres.
Q. What is Pre-Placement Orientation?
The first two weeks of the Co-op Term involves "getting ready" for Co-op and includes such things as health & safety in the workplace, self-assessment, first aid, preparing resumes, interview skills and understanding Co-op & employer procedures and expectations.
Q. What's a PPLP?
A Personalized Placement Learning Plan (PPLP) is your Co-op "game plan" - a document built and updated by you, your Co-op teacher, and worksite supervisor that helps to ensure Co-op is a meaningful experience that links your classroom skills & knowledge to their application in the workplace.
Q. What are Integration/Reflection Days?
Integration Days are scheduled throughout the term - you will report back to the school on those days to share and reflect on your Co-op experiences, develop further skills, & complete and present assignments.
Q. Am I paid for my Co-op work?
Students are not paid while on the job during the hours outlined on the Work Education Agreement. The possibility does exist for employers to hire Co-op students outside these WEA Co-op hours - e.g. on the weekend.
OYAP students are often provided some sort of 'payment' - which could be in the form of tools, a bus pass, wages, etc.
Q. How will I be evaluated?
Your term will be worth 70% and your final projects/activities will be worth 30% of your mark.
For a complete breakdown of assessment and evaluation click here.
Both your worksite supervisor and Co-op teacher will evaluate you.
Q. What will my work schedule be?
Your work schedule will be determined during your interview with your placement supervisor.
Co-op is timetabled either all morning or all afternoon.
Normally plan on 3 Co-op hours/day - e.g. 8:30 - 11:30 am or 12:30 - 3:30 pm.
Q. Will I be insured?
All Co-op students are covered by the Workplace Safety Insurance Board through the Ministry of Education.
A Work Education Agreement will be prepared by the Co-op Dept. and the form must be signed by your, your parent (if you are under 18), your placement supervisor and your Co-op teacher prior to beginning work at your placement.
Further Information
Q. What about transportation?
Transportation to and from your Co-op worksite is your responsibility.
Our School Board does NOT provide insurance coverage or support students driving motorized vehicles while working at your Co-op placement.
Further Information
Q. What about attendance?
You will be treated like a regular employee.
You will be expected to notify your Co-op placement supervisor when you will be absent.
You must also notify your Co-op teacher.
Remember: attendance and punctuality are important employability skills.
CO-OP REGISTRATION
Take the following steps to be included in Co-op as part of your plans for the coming school term:
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Double-Check with your Guidance Counsellor that you have selected "Co-op" on your Option sheet
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Complete a Co-op Registration Form and submit to the Co-op Office by the deadline
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Attend your scheduled Co-op Interview
ASSIGNMENTS / ACTIVITIES
As outlined in the Co-op Course Description, Co-op includes participating in the following presentations & training and completing the following assignments and activities:
Supporting Links:
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Freedom of Information & Privacy
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Ontario Human Rights Commission
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Young Workers Awareness Program
FIRST DAYS
Several important tasks must be completed during the first couple of days of Co-op
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Co-op Contract / Insurance Signatures
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Student, Parent, Employer signatures on Work Education Agreement and Insurance Form
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Return to Co-op Office
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Worksite Safety Survey
INTEGRATION SESSIONS
** Remind your Co-op Employer that you will be at school on these dates and not at Co-op.
Co-op Reflections
During the Term, complete the Co-op Reflections by their DUE DATES and bring them to the monthly Integration Sessions.
The Co-op Reflections will be assessed using the following outline:
Integration Topics
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The following topics will be explored during the integration sessions:
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Union Panel Presentation (Bricklayers, Electrical, Plumbers & Pipefitters)
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Employability/Personal Management Skills
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Learning Skills Assessment
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Career Exploration
INDEPENDENT STUDY PROJECT
Post-Co-op summary & sharing opportunities:
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Co-op Poster Project I.S.P.
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or OYAP Poster Project I.S.P.
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Poster Assessment
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Employer Thank-You Letter
LOG SHEETS
Every week during your Co-op term you need to complete a Log Sheet where you track the Co-op hours you have logged at the worksite for that week as well as a summary of the key tasks you have been involved in at your placement.
Each Weekly Log Sheet requires:
Submit these to the Co-op Office by WEDNESDAY of the following week.
The Log Sheets will be assessed using the following outline: