Under the proposed revisions, there will be more opportunities for paid Co-Op placements. Paid work will be supported if the placement is deemed an appropriate and meaningful learning experience.

The OCDSB will create new partnerships with industry and sector partners that align with various student pathway interests and goals. We are also actively seeking to offer identity-specific Co-Op opportunities, where students can connect their lived experiences to their learning.

In addition, these changes reflect our commitment to monitor Co-Op placements to ensure that they meet safety and human rights regulations.

The proposed changes would not impact student eligibility. As always, all students aged 16 years and older will continue to be eligible for Co-op. Instead, the policy change would expand the types of learning experiences students can participate in through Co-op.

Cooperative Education provides secondary school students the ability to earn credits while working in a community outside of their school. Students have the opportunity to develop personal and workplace skills important to their career and life planning.

Students can take Co-op as a stand-alone learning experience for credit. Co-Op is also a required part of the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program.