The Cooperative Education program at Weldon offers students a wide range of opportunities to gain work experience while earning secondary school credits.
Co-op is a REQUIRED component of all Specialist High Skills Majors programs.
- 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 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.
- Co-op is a good way to gather information and experience as you set your long-term career goals.
- Students can select co-op i either or both grade 11 and 12.
- Some students even opt to take Co-op both years to try a variety of work experiences.
- Students on the Workplace Pathway will find Co-op opportunities available through the Head of Special Education.
- Co-op 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.