eCooperative Education
Earn high school credits through workplace experience
What is eCo-op?
eCo-op is a program that allows students who are at least 16 years of age to apply for up to two Co-op credits towards their compulsory high school graduation requirements, with no limit on earning optional Co-op credits.
In eCo-op, students complete all or part of the placement component of their program remotely using electronic communications technology. The placement supervisor may be located in their local community or in another community, city, or province.
Why take eCo-op?
Test-drive a career:
Do the job and get a chance to see if your career choice is really what you want before choosing your post-secondary destination.
Build your skills:
Work one-on-one with a co-worker in a program designed to meet your interests, needs, and strengths.
Get hands-on work experience:
Overcome the problem of "no job without experience and no experience without a job." Put real work experience on your résumé.
Who is it for?
| • | Students who are heading for university, college, apprenticeship or the workplace. |
| • | Those living in rural communities or where there is a lack of transportation, who would like to expand the range of appropriate placement options. |
| • | Students with timetable conflicts who require flexible scheduling. |
| • | Students with special education needs, whose Individual Education Plan (IEP) requirements may limit their access to workplaces. |
What are some examples of possible work placements?
| • | Web page design and maintenance | • | Data entry and management |
| • | Internet based companies | • | Video production |
| • | Translation | • | Architectural drafting |
| • | Graphic design | • | IT Help Desk support |
| • | Market research and collating information | • | Journalism |
How do I find a work placement?
Placements for students will be arranged by the eCo-op teacher and must meet the following requirements:
| • | the placement must offer a positive learning environment in a safe workplace; |
| • | any placement outside the home must be a paid placement and have Workplace Safety and Insurance coverage through the ministry or the workplace (see Policy/Program Memorandum No. 76A, September 27, 2000). |
How long do I have to complete my placement work hours?
| 1 credit eCo-op | 3 months | |
| 2 credit eCo-op | 4 months | |
| 3 credit eCo-op | 5 months | |
| 4 credit eCo-op | 5 months |
Can I be paid for my placement work hours?
It is not general practice for a cooperative education student to receive payment for work done in a placement, since the emphasis is on learning. However, provided that all the criteria for the cooperative education program are met, the principal may permit a cooperative education student in a specialized program (e.g., a re-entry program) or in a particular placement (e.g., a unionized environment) to receive payment.
How do I know if this is the right program for me?
To enroll in our program, you will need to complete the eCo-op Admissions Interview. In your interview you will meet with our OCT certified teacher to find out if eCo-op is the right program for you. Your work placement will be all or partially online, so think global! Bring your placement ideas, and our teacher will determine if it will fit within the eCo-op framework; a safe, genuine learning experience, linked to your interests and skill set. Working in an online setting isn’t for everyone, but if you have an opportunity you’d like to explore, we would like to build a custom learning platform just for you.
Register for the Admissions Interview to get started.
