Co-op Spotlight
Hooray Audny and Thanks Ran Zhu!
My name is Ran Zhu. 8 years ago, I started my co-op position at the Guelph chapter of the Green Party of Ontario as a high school student. After university and a few jobs, I now work full-time at Ontario’s Legislature, supporting the Green Party of Ontario’s first elected Member of Provincial Parliament, Mike Schreiner. It has become a true full circle when our office welcomed Audny-Cashae Stewart, a high school co-op student like I was. Audny is passionate about social justice and politics, and certainly has a bright future ahead.
What is Co-op?
The Co-operative Education Program allows students to earn secondary school credits while completing a work placement.
Co-op students can try out an occupation or different occupations in an actual work environment before deciding which career path is right for them.
Consisting of a co-op course, a related curriculum course in any subject and a work placement, the program is monitored by a co-operative education teacher.
Two co-op credits can be applied towards high school graduation requirements although there is no limit on earning optional co-op credits.
Co-op placements are arranged for students by their secondary school. All placements are require to follow Ministry of Education policy and guidelines.
Why Take Co-op?
Co-op is right for you if you want to:
- Earn credits through workplace experience
- Match your classroom learning to a career
- Explore career options before making a firm decision
- Develop the essential skills and habits required in the workplace
- Obtain knowledge to use on a resume for postsecondary programs and future employment.