What is Co-operative Education?

Cooperative Education is a structured method of combining classroom-based education with practical work experience. A cooperative education experience, commonly known as a "co-op", provides academic credit for structured job experience.

Typically, students select co-op in grade 11 or 12. They participate in rich, immersive learning experiences connected to a community experience or “placement” outside of the school. Their placement employer and supervisor will guide and support students in their learning, along with their co-op teacher.

Co-op in secondary school can be designed to include up to four co-op credits per semester. Students may take Cooperative Education linked to a Related Course (or Courses) several times during secondary school, using a different related course (or courses) each time. Although there is no restriction on the total number of cooperative education credits that a student may earn in secondary school, no more than two cooperative education credits may be counted as compulsory credits towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (see Ontario Schools, section 6.1.1).

Benefits to students:

  • Participate in the experiential learning cycle within a safe and supportive environment.
  • Select a work placement based on their individual interests, readiness and needs.
  • Develop employability skills and work habits that are applicable to the workplace.

Experiential learning is the foundation for Cooperative Education. Co-op has three program components – pre-placement, work placement and integration.

Co-operative Education Program Options

4 Credit Co-op - Students will:

  • Attend co-op work placements for the full day.
  • Work approximately 6-8 hours per weekday (Monday – Friday)

2 Credit Co-op - Students will:

  • Attend classes for half the school day and work placement for the remainder of the day.
  • Work approximately 3-4 hours per weekday (Monday – Friday)

Specialist High Skills Major - SHSM Programs

SHSM programs are specialized, economic sector-focused pathways programs approved by the Ministry of Education. Each SHSM consists of 5 required components including a defined bundle of courses, certifications, training and experiential learning. SHSM students are required to complete a 2-credit cooperative education placement.

SHSM Skilled Trade Sectors in the Peel District School Board include Construction, Hospitality and Tourism, Manufacturing, Transportation.

SHSM students who want to follow the apprenticeship pathway are well positioned for Accelerated OYAP Level 1 Apprenticeship Training. It’s a jump start into an exciting, viable career in a variety of skilled trades.

Students who successfully complete an SHSM receive:

  • an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with an embossed red seal
  • an SHSM record documenting his/her achievement
  • formal recognition on his/her Ontario Student Transcript

To learn more about SHSM programs, visit www.peelschools.org/SHSM

Which SHSM programs are offered?

  • Arts and Culture
  • Business​
  • Construction
  • Environment
  • Health and Wellness
  • Hospitality and Tourism​
  • Information and Communications Technology
  • Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services
  • Manufacturing
  • Non-Profit​
  • Sports
  • Transportation