Co-operative Education St. Patrick’s High School

1. Co-operative EducationSt. Patrick’s High School • What is co-op? • How co-op works • Program statistics • Should I apply? If yes, how? • Responsibilities • What can I expect to get out of co-op? • What can I do to increase my chances of successfully completing a co-op credit?

2. What is co-op? • Co-op is a high school credit course that requires students to complete an in-class portion, along with a work placement. • Co-operative education is a partnership between a student, a teacher, parents and a community partner. • The goal is to increase students’ employability skills and give them workplace experience in a field that interests them.

3. How co-op works • Students complete 25 hours in class, studying such topics as • Job searching and interview skills • Professionalism • Career planning • Workplace safety • Personality/aptitude testing and analysis

4. How co-op works • Upon successful completion of the in-class portion, students obtain a “job” in a workplace for 100 hours • must have a direct supervisor • will function as an employee while still being supervised by their teacher • no pay received • may do paid work (if offered by employer) outside of co-op hours

5. Why not just get a part-time job? • Co-op jobs are generally in fields that students do not have the qualifications to get into right now. Some examples are law, firefighting, journalism and veterinary medicine. • Co-op students can get workplace experience that directly relates to possible future careers, as well as developing a network of contacts within a particular industry.

6. Statistics: St. Pat’s 2004/2005 • Number of applicants: 75 • Number of participants: 56 • 8summer • 37 first semester • 11 second semester • No. of community co-operators: 37 • Teacher: Mrs. Stiles-Clarke

7. 2003-04 Enrollment in other HRSB schools: • Dartmouth High 35 • Sackville High 75 • Millwood 60 • Auburn 65 • Prince Andrew 50 • QEH 75

8. Some Community Cooperators 2004/2005 Bish World Cuisine (culinary arts) Northumberland College (massage therapy) St. Catherine’s School (teaching) Full Circle Veterinary Alternatives (veterinary medicine) Canadian Tire Quinpool Rd. (auto repair) Halifax Regional Fire Services (firefighting) Public Prosecution Service (criminal law) Elizabeth Fry Society (social work) Museum of Natural History (anthropology) DalPlex Rock Court (coaching) Broadcast News (journalism) St. Matthew’s United Church (stage production)

9. Should I apply? • You must be 16 years of age before the school board will allow you to do a co-op placement. • You must have excellent attendance and acceptable marks in your in-school courses, both before you apply and during your credit. • You must exhibit maturity and responsibility to balance your school obligations with your co-op placement and the rest of your life. • During the year, co-op is completed during free periods, after school or on weekends.

10. Should I apply? • You should consider the option of doing your co-op credit over the summer. Past students have emphasized that this was an excellent way to get the credit and concentrate on the job. • You will not be paid for your co-op hours, but you could possibly be hired by the employer after your credit is finished. • Grade 12s are given priority in the selection process.

11. How can I apply? • Listen for announcements in the spring about co-op applications. Pick one up in Guidance. • Completely and accurately fill in the application form. • Watch for a schedule of interview times. • Do some research about field(s) you would like to explore. Come to your interview armed with information and options. • Talk to parents and friends about people they know that could supervise your placement.

12. Student Responsibilities • Complete all program requirements (assignments, projects, exam) • Maintain a constantly professional attitude on the job and in class • Maintain adequate grades and excellent attendance in “regular” courses • Communicate regularly with the co-op teacher and the placement supervisor

13. Teacher Responsibilities • Ensure students are prepared for the program and especially for the job placement • Supervise students’ progress at the placement • Communicate regularly with employers and students • Complete all evaluation and preparation as for a regular course

14. Employer Responsibilities • Ensure workplace safety for co-op students • Provide training and supervision • Provide informal and formal evaluation • Communicate regularly with student and teacher

15. Parent Responsibilities • Arrange transportation to and from placement with the student • Discuss progress in class and in placement with student • Help student determine career interests and educational plan for the future • Communicate any concerns to the co-op teacher

16. What can I expect to get out of co-op? • You will get out of co-op as much or as little as you put into it. The most successful co-ops have happened for students who are dedicated not only to their co-op placement, but also to “regular” school. • You will be given the chance to think about yourself, what kinds of jobs you would be good at, and what kinds of jobs will be available to you later in life. • You will get valuable workplace experience and create personal connections within the work world. Reference letters and paid employment often result from co-op placements.

17. Student feedback • “I must admit I never knew how much someone can learn outside the classroom. The best part about co-op is how much you learn and enjoy learning. It never once felt like a class I had to go to. It was being trained for a career I might pursue in the future.” R. Saba • “It may have been hard work, but it definitely helped to see all the aspects of pharmacy.” B. Donovan

18. Student feedback • “I’ve gained valuable experience in my chosen field of study relatively early.” I. McLeod • “I have benefited a lot from co-op, at my job placement the vice-president wants me to continue working there after my co-op hours are finished. I also have another job offer from a hotel.” G. Bishop • “Awesome, the best!! I gained so much from this course.” M. Seto

19. Student feedback • “ Veterinary medicine is what I want. I now have a educational and career plan that I will follow. This course has been great and taking it in the summer has been great for me”. D. Conrad • “Co-op really opened doors for me. I would definitely recommend this to other people, since I know they’ll learn a lot like I did.” M. Hernandez

20. How can I increase my chances of being successful in co-op? • If you haven’t already, start treating school like your job. Be professional and responsible at all times. • Think about what you’re going to do after you finish high school. What are you doing now to help yourself in the future? • Talk to family and friends about where you could do your placement, and with whom. Also discuss why you think co-op would be good for you, and how you plan to succeed.

21. Questions? • Mrs. Stiles-Clarke • lclarke@staff.ednet.ns.ca • Office 421-6738 • http://st-pats.ednet.ns.ca/co-op