The Cooperative Education program at Weldon offers students a wide range of opportunities to gain work experience while earning secondary school credits.
- Students can enrol in 2-credit Co-op or 4-credit Co-op.
- 2-credit students spend either the full morning or full afternoon at the work placement.
- 4-credit students spend the full school day at the work placement.
- Prior to beginning the practical work experience, in-school training takes place at Weldon. In addition to the pre-placement component, other in-school sessions are held periodically throughout the semester. Co-op teachers also visit the workplace to monitor progress.
- Each Co-op student has a Student Cooperative Education Learning Plan (SCELP).
- Students maintain regular written logs to track their Co-op hours and experiences. These are submitted weekly to the Co-op teacher for evaluation.
- Excellent attendance is crucial for success in this program.
- A Co-op shuttle bus provides transportation to key drop points in Lindsay.
Helpful hints for including Co-op as part of your education:
- Co-op can be a great chance to try out a place of employment related to future career plans. Consider Co-op as a good way to gather information and experience as you set your long-term career goals. Request a placement that is related to your career goal.
- Students on the College Pathway will find that Co-op usually fits well in either grade 11 or grade 12. Some students even opt to take Co-op both years to try a variety of work experiences.
- Students on the University Pathway should consider Co-op as an option in grade 11. Since the grade 12 year gets filled very quickly meeting 4U/4M course requirements for university application, the grade 11 year can sometimes better allow for the flexibility to include Co-op.
- Students on the Workplace Pathway will find Co-op opportunities available through the Head of Special Education.
- For information about the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and how it ties with Co-op, see the OYAP page in the Specialized Program section.
- Co-op also provides students with practical work experience that can better enable them to gain paid employment in the future. Always include your Co-op experience on your resume!
NOTE: Good attendance and strong work habits are crucial to success in all courses. They are of particular importance to Co-op placements where community businesses are generously welcoming students into their workplace. A responsible and respectful approach is expected from all students participating in the Cooperative Education program.
