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Experiential Learning

Cooperative Education

August 27, 2020

Co-operative Education is a learning partnership that provides high school students with valuable work experience while they are earning credits towards their graduation diploma.

Cooperative Education

What does it look like?

Cooperative Education is a learning partnership that provides high school students with valuable work experience while they are earning credits towards their graduation diploma. Cooperative Education involves both a classroom component and a work placement component.

This program is offered at both the WRDSB and the WCDSB.

What are the benefits?

Students

  • Experience the practical aspects of a job and the expectations of employers in a real work environment

  • Work in placements which best match your educational needs and interests

  • Integrate classroom theory and earn credits towards your diploma

  • To learn more, see: How high school co-op can kickstart your career

Employers

  • Develop your future workforce

  • Promote yourself as an employer of choice

  • Enhance the personal and career development of young people in our community

Who can participate?

All high school students are eligible to participate in Cooperative Education. Generally, you must be 16 years of age or older (the Ministry of Labour requires students to be a minimum age, depending on the occupation).

Employers are invited to participate from all industries.

Learn more

Ontario Ministry of Education

Fact Sheet

Curriculum - Grades 11 and 12 (PDF)

Local school boards

Waterloo Catholic DSB Cooperative Education

Waterloo Region DSB Cooperative Education

Get involved

Each school or school board can answer questions related to its particular program. Businesses can also use the contact form below to be put in touch.

WRDSB Co-op Placement Information and Contact Form

WCDSB Co-op Contacts by School

See upcoming events

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