Co-op is an excellent way to learn about the realities of the workplace and explore potential career opportunities with the flexibility to allow for change.

The hands-on experience gained through community placements will be help provide clarity for determining the future career path that suits your needs and ambitions.

Attendance

• Scheduled either first or second semester (or in summer school), morning or afternoon, or full days

• Work 4 or 5 days per week, for a minimum of 3 hours per day;
  Note: some schools offer full day programs for a minimum of 6 hours

• Good attendance is critical at both school and the placement

• If absence is unavoidable, students must phone the school and the placement before the scheduled start time

• Students will be required to make up time missed at the placement due to illness or other reasons

• Students will be expected to complete the full work term as outlined in the Work Education Agreement

• Repeated lateness or absence may result in loss of work placement and/or credits

Information About Students

• Co-op students must be at least 14 years of age

• Students and employers MUST follow the minimum age restrictions as set out under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to visit or work in specific types of workplaces

• Travel arrangements to and from the placement are the responsibility of students

• At the placement, students are expected to conduct themselves as employees of the company – if problems arise and persist, employers have the option to terminate students (as a last resort) and students may lose co-op credits

• Students are expected to abide by the placement dress code and maintain confidentiality