Cooperative Education

Grade 11

GWL 3OD  Designing Your Future  (grade 11) – 2 credit

GWL 3OQ  Designing Your Future (grade 11) – 4 credit

These courses prepare students to make successful transitions to postsecondary destinations as
they investigate specific postsecondary options based on their skills, interests, and personal
characteristics. Students will explore the realities and opportunities of the workplace and examine
factors that affect success, while refining their job search and employability skills. Students will
examine their portfolios with a focus on their targeted destination and develop and action plan
for future success. These are regular co-op courses, where students are working
independently for an employer in the work world.

Prerequisite: None

Grade 12

GLN 4OD  Navigating the Workplace (grade 12) – 2 credit

GLN 4OQ  Navigating the Workplace (grade 12) – 4 credit

These courses prepare students to make successful transitions to postsecondary destinations as
they investigate specific postsecondary options based on their skills, interests, and personal
characteristics. Students will explore the realities and opportunities of the workplace and examine
factors that affect success, while refining their job search and employability skills. Students will
examine their portfolios with a focus on their targeted destination and develop and action plan
for future success. These are regular co-op courses, where students are working
independently for an employer in the work world.

OYAP4R  Level 1 Accelerated OYAP (grade 12) – 4 credit                                                                           

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program provides students with the opportunity to begin an apprenticeship while still attending secondary school. Students participate in the Level 1 program while in their final semester of Grade 12, however; the application process and interviews for desired spots in the program begins in Grade 11. Level 1 OYAP programs are regular apprenticeships that include the first level of in-school training (Trade School) at our partner Training Delivery Agent. Students will earn 1 – 3 Dual Credits for the time spent at College in the Level 1 program. These credits will count toward both their OSSD and their Apprenticeship Certification.  Cooperative Education credits are granted for time spent at the workplace.

Students must submit an application in spring of their Grade 11 year. This is a competitive program. 

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.