• Discussions regarding placement-specific workplace health and safety considerations
• Understand issues relating to confidentiality and the right to privacy
• Work ethics and the responsible use of information technology
• Employment Standards Act and the Human Rights Act
• Understanding the appropriate methods of dealing with and reporting concerns or problems at the placement
2 | Integration Sessions: approximately every two weeks. A specific calendar will be provided at semester start
The integration portion of the classroom component of a cooperative
education course involves sessions with students covering a variety of
topics that relate to the placement, technology, solving problems and
health and well-being. Integration sessions provide structured time for
students to discuss and analyse their placement experiences with their
teachers and peers.
3 | Placement Component: students at their actual placement
Through a series of interviews with the student, an appropriate
placement is found. This process involves an assessment of the
placement by the co-op teacher to determine suitability, and an
interview of the student by the placement supervisor. After
the successful completion of those two steps, the student can start to
attend the placement. Throughout the semester, the Co-op teacher and
the placement supervisor monitor and evaluate the student's progress.
2. Does the student get paid?
Co-op students earn high school credits, but do not get paid. Some placement supervisors may choose to provide a modest honorarium or assist students
with work related expenses ie: transportation, uniform, however, this is
not common and is not expected.
3. Can the student be hired by the placement?
The aim of Co-op is to earn credits while obtaining experience in
the workplace. Many employers are not in the position to hire students
and some employers leave a space open to accept co-op students on a
regular basis. If a position does become available, students may accept
the opportunity if it does not interfere with school hours and the Work
Education Agreement.
4. How does the student get to and from the placement?
Transportation to and from the placement is the responsibility of
the student. The pre-placement component will assist the student to map
out their bus route.
5. Can Co-op hours be used as Community Involvement Hours?
Co-op and Community Involvement are not
the same. Through co-op, students benefit by gaining personal work
experience. Community Involvement hours, on the other hand, involve
volunteer opportunities where the community benefits. These hours must
be achieved outside of school hours and approved by Guidance before
beginning the hours.
6. Are students insured?
A Work Education Agreement (WEA) is
completed for each student and is signed by the student, co-op teacher, placement supervisor, and parent (if the student is under 18 years of age). Through
the WEA, students are covered by WSIB (Workplace Safety Insurance Board)
while at their placements. In addition, parents or students 18 or older
may consider purchasing their own insurance.
7. What if the student doesn't like his or her placement?
Prior to attending the placements, all
students are interviewed by the co-op teacher in order to match students
to placements. In addition, students attend approximately three weeks of
pre-placement classes in order to prepare for their placement. Students
who positively participate, communicate with co-workers; demonstrate
on-going initiative and enthusiasm will be most successful in this
partnership experience. When students sign the Work Education Agreement,
they are making a commitment to this placement. It is very rare for
students to be relocated. The co-op teacher will assist wherever
possible to maximize learning and personal growth.
8. Can a student be removed from the placement?
If the student is not adjusting well to
placement expectations, the employer has the right to dismiss the
student. The aim is to give students a realistic work experience and
help them understand what it takes to get and keep a job. The
Co-operative Education program is providing students an opportunity to
learn and grow while trying to meet realistic employment opportunities
as experienced by all new employees. The co-op teacher will continue to
work with this student. If the student is unwilling or unable to change
his or her focus or behaviour, credits may be in jeopardy. If the
student is able to make meaningful adjustments, a new placement may be
found if time and circumstances permit.
9. What is expected from placement supervisors?
Employers are expected to provide a
realistic view of workplace expectations and offer guidance for
educational growth. Workplace employees will demonstrate the attitudes
and skills required of a successful and responsible employee in a safe
and healthy environment. Employers will sign Ministry documents,
complete Performance Appraisals, offer a learning environment, which
includes job-specific health and safety training, and work in
partnership with the co-op teacher to outline work expectations.
10. Who ensures student safety?
The Co-op teacher is expected to provide
general safety awareness training during pre-placement sessions. The
employer should provide specific safety orientation and ongoing
training. Students have the responsibility to wear personal protective
equipment at all times, follow workplace guidelines and practices, and
report any injuries or hazards.
Information for Placement Supervisors
Co-operative Education is the school and community partners working together to provide a learning opportunity for students.
The benefits to placement supervisors include:
- Opportunity to preview and train potential future employees
- Develop supervisory skills in existing employees
- Create an environment of community involvement
- Share resources with Unionville High School
- Help develop a positive student attitude to our community
- Improve your communication with the local school
- Contribute to youth employment in the community
The responsibilities of placement supervisors include:
- Interview the student to determine suitability
- Deliver specific health and safety training as it relates to your business
- Provide relevant experience in a safe learning environment
- Develop learning expectations for the student, in collaboration with the co-op teacher and the student
- Provide training and supervision
- Assist the co-op teacher to complete assessments of the students performance
- Verify student hours weekly by signing student log sheets
- Encourage students to make connections in the community
- Report concerns to the Co-op teacher
If you are interested in partnering with the Unionville High School Co-op Department, call 905-479-2787, Ext. 220