Cooperative Education

Test drive a career... Get Co-op working for you!

• Enhance your high school experience by taking part in Cooperative education.
• This type of learning can help students who are bound for an apprenticeship, college, university or the workplace.
• It can assist students in career exploration and with making career decisions while developing the skills, knowledge and attitudes that are essential in the workforce.
• Employers are looking for employees who have work experience. Some of our Co-op students receive job offers from their Co-op employers.
• Co-op is an excellent way to get a head start on your future career!

• You can earn 2 or more credits toward your OSSD by working either in the morning (ex. 8:00 am to 11:00 am) or afternoon (ex. 11:30 am to 2:30 pm).
• Between school in-class days and the workplace; 220 hours are needed for earning 2 credits.

• In collaboration with your guidance counsellor and Co-op teacher, you will be required to attend an information session held in April each year, complete an application form and provide teacher references before having an interview with a Co-op teacher, where together you will discuss and decide on the best placement for you.
• The Co-op teacher will find a relevant placement and students are always welcome to provide suggestions.
• A pre-requisite link course is required. For example, students working at a veterinary clinic can link their Co-op to SBI 3C or SBI 3U.
• Due to the competitiveness of certain placements, Co-op placements cannot be guaranteed (ex. police station).

• Except for our International ESL students, all MTS secondary school students are eligible to participate in Cooperative education in Grades 11 and 12.
• Some may be planning to join the work force or want to learn a skilled trade through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).
• Others may plan to attend community college or university and may be part of our SHSM or PEL Co-op.
• Students can do Co-op without being part of a special Co-op program!

Special Co-op Programs:

• SHSMs in either Health and Wellness: Medical or Fitness Focus, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Non-Profit and Aviation are being offered at MTS
• SHSMs provide knowledge, skills, certifications and career experiences
• Includes a Co-op component (usually linked to a Grade 11 or 12 course)
• For students heading to the workplace, to college or to university
• Students who successfully meet all SHSM requirements will graduate with an SHSM Ontario Secondary School Diploma

• An opportunity for university-bound students interested in research-based placements for Science, Technology, Engineering, Math or Medicine (STEMM disciplines)
• Additional application and interview required with the Director of PEL
• MTS Co-op students in the PEL program have been placed in various research labs at LHSC, SJHC, UWO, Robarts Research Institute, and the Lawson Health Research Institute
• Visit www.schulich.uwo.ca/cartt/education/partners_in_experiential_learning for more information and to watch a video that features a former MTS Co-op student