Co-op students gain valuable skills, credits

Problem solving, critical thinking and communication are among the transferrable skills cooperative education students gain, all in addition to gaining valuable workplace experience and earning high school credits.

“Students should consider co-op if they want to investigate a potential career or simply to get workplace experiences,” said Everett, a Grade 12 co-op student at Markville Secondary School.

Students from the Markham school are participating in co-ops that range from funeral homes and architecture and design to the automotive sector, health care and education and took part in this semester’s co-op showcase. The event also gave students in Grade 10 an opportunity to explore the many opportunities available to them if they select cooperative education in Grades 11 or 12.

“I’ve been doing the co-op program since 2006,” said Jack Tellian, co-op supervisor and owner of KKT Auto Collision. “I support them with hands-on training and try to get them as much as they can – learn this trade inside and out, share with them my 53 years of experience in this trade.”

Cooperative education integrates classroom theory with practical experience in the workplace. Programming is based on a partnership between the school and a business or community organization. Watch the video to hear from students, educators and employers. Learn more about cooperative education and explore secondary programs by area of interest.

Photo from Markville Secondary School’s cooperative education showcase courtesy of the York Region District School Board.