Cooperative Education

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.