Co-op is an excellent way to learn about the realities of the workplace and explore potential career opportunities with the flexibility to allow for change.
The hands-on experience gained through community placements will be help provide clarity for determining the future career path that suits your needs and ambitions.
Attendance
- scheduled either first or second semester (or in summer school), morning or afternoon, or full days
- work 4 or 5 days per week, for a minimum of 3 hours per day;
Note: some schools offer full day programs for a minimum of 6 hours - good attendance is critical at both school and the placement
- if absence is unavoidable, students must phone the school and the placement before the scheduled start time
- students will be required to make up time missed at the placement due to illness or other reasons
- students will be expected to complete the full work term as outlined in the Work Education Agreement
- repeated lateness or absence may result in loss of work placement and/or credits
Information About Students
- co-op students must be at least 14 years of age
- students and employers MUST follow the minimum age restrictions as set out under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to visit or work in specific types of workplaces
- travel arrangements to and from the placement are the responsibility of students
- at the placement, students are expected to conduct themselves as employees of the company – if problems arise and persist, employers have the option to terminate students (as a last resort) and students may lose co-op credits
- students are expected to abide by the placement dress code and maintain confidentiality
