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 their interests;
- Obtain career-related practical experience;
- Highlight this experience on their 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; and
- 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)
SHSM is 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. Learn more about SHSM at AMHS.
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.
A Dual Credit gives students the opportunity to:
- Experience college while still in high school at no cost;
- Earn high school credits and college credits at the same time in the same course;
- Learn in state-of-the-art college facilities;
- Explore different pathway options; and
- Try something new
Contact Us
If you are interested in partnering with the Alexander Mackenzie Co-op Department, please call us.