Co-op combines classroom and workplace learning, giving students
valuable real-world experience as they earn credits toward their High school
Diploma. This program supports students
bound for college, the workplace, an apprenticeship or university. Through co-op, students are able to "try
out" careers gaining desirable employability as well as specialized
occupational skills. Co-op enables students to make informed educational and
career decisions toward post-secondary options including further education,
apprenticeships and/or the world of work.
Taking co-op allows students to: 
●
Test a career
● Explore your
interests
● Obtain
career-related practical experience
● Highlight this
experience on your resume
● Develop specific
employability/job skills
● Develop attitudes
for success in the workplace
● Make a smoother
transition from school to work or post-secondary education
● Obtain contacts
for references, letters of recommendation and possible future employment
● Develop
confidence and independence
●
Earn credits towards your OSS Diploma
Who is eligible for co-op?
While the program is primarily geared for students in Grade 11 and 12, any student over the age of 15 could qualify. Regardless of the post-secondary destination of choice, all students can benefit from a Co-op program experience.
Types of programs
Full Day (4 Credits) Students registered in the
full day co-op program will earn four credits by the end of the semester.
Students attend school for the first two and a half weeks of the semester in
order to complete an intensive pre-employment component. After the two and a half
weeks of in-school classes, students will attend their co-op work placement
five days a week and will return to school for Integration Days. Students
interested in careers such as the skilled trades, where workers travel to
different locations each day to perform their work, are recommended to choose a
4-credit co-op in order to have flexibility in time to join their supervisors
and co-workers on site locations.
Half Day (2 Credits) Students registered in the half-day program
will earn two co-op credits. Students taking afternoon co-op will take regular
school courses in the morning and will attend their co-op work placement in the
afternoon only. Students taking morning co-op will take regular school courses
in the afternoon and will attend their co-op work placement in the morning
only. These students attend school for the first two and a half weeks of the
semester in order to complete an intensive pre-employment component. After the
completion of the pre-employment classes, students will be in school for half a
day and at their co-op work placement for the other half. Students will attend
their co-op work placement five days a week and will return to their co-op
course on Integration Days.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) The Ontario Youth
Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) offers Ontario students the opportunity to train
as apprentices while completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. This
program is offered in conjunction with both 2-credit or 4-credit co-op courses.
Accelerated Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (A-OYAP) Students
in their last semester of high school, can earn their high school credits,
register as an apprentice, complete all or part of their Level One
Apprenticeship schooling in this specific trade, and earn hours/competencies
towards their apprenticeship. This program is offered in conjunction with 4-credit
co-op courses.
Additional Opportunities
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)- A specialized program that allows
students to complete a unique course bundle tailored to their sector including
a 2-credit co-op. SHSM is available to all students in grades 11 and 12
regardless of their choice of post-secondary destination. At AMHS, students can choose from the
following sectors:
●
Health & Wellness
●
Arts & Culture
●
Business
●
Transportation
Benefits:
●
Earn industry certifications such as CPR and
First Aid.
●
Gain hands-on experience with co-op placements in
the real world.
●
A diploma with the SHSM seal.
●
Participate in customized, career-focused
learning opportunities.
Dual Credit An opportunity for high school students to take college
or apprenticeship courses that count towards both the Ontario Secondary School
Diploma (OSSD) and a postsecondary certificate, diploma, or degree, or an
apprenticeship certification.

Benefits:
●
Experience college while still in high school at
no cost to you
●
Earn high school credits and college credits at
the same time in the same course
●
Learn in college state-of-the-art facilities
●
Explore different pathway options
●
Try something new
If you are interested in partnering with the Alexander Mackenzie Co-op
Department, please call (905)884-0554.