Co-operative Education: What's The Hype?

“Not just the theoretical, but the practical.” —  Mr. Altwerger, Co-op and Social sciences teacher

Like many Ontario high schools, Earl Haig offers a rich and invaluable Co-op program to senior students.  Co-op, or Co-operative Education, is an opportunity for students to leave the building and go to a place of work to experience the responsibilities of the workplace. The multifold experience co-op provides helps students gain tools that allow them to thrive personally, professionally, and academically.

Co-op placements are assumed after the student engages in a series of test checks to prepare their resumes and skills, such as reviewing WHMIS safety procedures to set a foundation within a student’s journey to enter their placement. The Co-op program offers a wide pool for work placements; ranging from professional law, medical, or health firms to retail stores to marketing and office work.

What Makes Co-op Special?

Haig’s Co-op department works tirelessly to help students get the placements they want. In recent years, the department has connected with local businesses to find niche placements for students. The department develops strong relationships with its students built on trust, which helps streamline the placement process and overcome challenges. Mr. Michael Altwerger, Social sciences & Co-op teacher, shares how the Co-op department makes sure students find placements they want: 

“Effort. We spend a lot of time calling and trying to connect. Often, a student will help us [...] and that can be really impactful because the student making the call demonstrates to the employer that they’re really serious.”

Students who take co-op often find the workplace fun, as it is a stark change from sitting in a classroom. Instead of taking notes and filling out worksheets, they get to work in a professional, sector-specific environment with adults as equals while getting a glimpse into potential career paths. Although students might not immediately get a job from co-op, the program fosters connections in specific sectors. All in all, co-op is a unique and plentiful program that serves as an opportunity for growth in a student’s high school career.

Challenge and Growth

In recent years, the Co-op program has been affected by COVID-19 and a decline in companies wanting to implement Co-op programs. When restricted to virtual placements, the Co-op department had to work around organizing virtual check-ins and assessing student behaviour. The department has also seen a stagnation in the growth of corporations; instead, placements have shifted to more private companies. 

Mr. Steve Karam, ACL of Business and Co-op, explains a challenge with co-op is “making sure they have placements for students. It starts with communication with co-op supervisors, finding places that will engage in holding co-op, and starting to look at small proprietorships.” He also shared, “teachers have done a great job in growing the department for teachers and supervisors.” Through implementing hybrid and remote placements, the Co-op department has adapted and shaped the Co-op program into what it is today.

Student Testimonials

Sienna Wiitasalo

“I was at a criminal defence law firm.  On the first day, one of the partners introduced me to the firm and showed me what I was going to be doing at the office, introduced me to court transcripts, protocols in court, and we kind of just took it from there.” 

What piece of advice would you give to students considering Co-op?

“I think if someone has space, they should take co-op. You should know in advance what placement you want to do and start looking for placements well in advance. You can even ask outside connections. Definitely network.”

“I was lucky, my placement was on Yonge Street; it was very close, but on the days I was going to court I would have to leave my house at seven AM sometimes. You need to factor in more time if your placement is far away.”

Luisa Duarte

“I got a placement at UHN’s Toronto General Hospital in the Medical Imaging Department, At my placement specifically, I interacted with patients and worked on hospital systems that allowed me to check in patients, document procedures, and book their transport. I got to shadow many different healthcare workers in Medical Imaging. I shadowed ultrasound procedures and spine surgery but this may not apply for all placements.”

What was a challenge with co-op you’ve had to face?

“Working in a hospital environment takes a lot of adjusting. You will see a lot of people in pain and possibly with life-threatening injuries, but that is the nature of that workplace. With time, I became used to it, but it was challenging at first.” 

“Another challenge was the commute since my co-op was downtown. I usually woke up at 6:00 am to start my shift at 8:00. When applying, you should definitely keep the commute time in mind and organize your routine accordingly.”

A Look In Hindsight

Co-op takes a non-traditional approach to education which accommodates students’ unique learning styles and passions. Students who take co-op will become more decisive and equipped to make assessments in post-secondary. To students considering taking co-op Mr. Karam says: “it can be challenging to enter the workforce, but to do what is scary. Take that chance to grow and step out of your comfort zone.”