Co-Operative Education

About Co-Operative Education

Co-operative education allows students that are preparing for life after high school to get realistic and hands-on experience in a potential career. This is a valuable opportunity to test drive a career to see if it is a good fit before investing a lot of time and money in post-secondary education. You have the option of doing a 2-credit half day or a 4-credit full day placement. Topics covered in-class include career preparation, health & safety, Employment Standards Act, the role of unions in the workplace and more. The bulk of the course is time spent at the placement with monitoring by the co-operative education teacher. There are many co-op placement opportunities in our region from hospitals, schools, policing, retail, the full range of skilled trades and so much more.

An Alternate Co-op Program; DCO 3O

Students in the final years of high school are looking forward to post-secondary options and potential careers. This is a very difficult decision to make with relatively little experience and knowledge. Fitting a traditional co-operative education experience into a students timetable can be a challenge, especially if they are planning to graduate in 4 years. An alternate program is called Creating Opportunities Through Co-operative Education, often referred to by its course code, DCO 3O. Students that participate will get 2 co-op credits and the work to be completed is performed outside of timetabled courses, on their own time. In this program, students are paired with a mentor whose career is in line with the student's potential pathway. The student and mentor will work collaboratively on a range of tasks including creating and designing STEAM Faire type activities. This mentorship experience will allow the student to really gain insight into a career that might be right for them and enhance skills with problem-solving, organization, communication, leadership, decision-making and teamwork.

Student and local business person standing at the SHSM fair students talking at a booth at the SHSM fair

student and presenter at a nursing booth student posing on a fire truck with fire fighters

High School Co-op Opportunities at Bruce Power

Overview

These co-op opportunities are a full semester onsite at Bruce Power for senior students from BGCDSB and BWDSB. This four-credit program provides valuable experience, essential skills, and career exploration for students on a pathway to post-secondary apprenticeship, college or university.

Career Areas
1. Business I (Accounting/Finance, Power Marketing, Supply Chain)
2. Business II (Human Resources, Community Relations, Communications, Business Improvement)
3. Engineering I (Mechanical/Electrical)
4. Engineering II (Chemical/Environmental)
5. Information Technology
6. Power Engineering/Nuclear Operations (OYAP trade: Process Operator/Power)*
7. Mechanical maintenance (OYAP trades: Millwright, Welder, HVAC)
8. Control maintenance (OYAP trades: Industrial Electrician, Instrumentation, Electronics)
9. Transportation maintenance (OYAP trades: Automotive, Truck, Heavy Equipment, Small Engines)
10. Fire Protection/Emergency Services*
11. Employee Wellness
* Possible day/night shift work involved

Power Up Your Future at Bruce Power Co-op!

Get valuable work experience at Ontario’s largest electrical power generator
Explore a unique career of interest to you before going to college or university
Boost essential skills that are transferable to any situation in your future
Participate in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

Pick up the Bruce Power Co-op handout at the Guidance Office.
Want more info?
See Guidance or contact the Bruce Power Co-op Teacher:
Tim Smith 519-372-7161 [email protected]