Co-op Department

Co-op is credit-earning course that combines classroom learning with practical "on the job" experience. The job placement is based on a partnership between the school and a business or community organization. Students can expand their interests and explore their career options while earning 2, 3, or 4 co-op credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

Aurora High School is proud to offer the following specialized programs that include a co-op placement:

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

Aurora High School offers 5 SHSM pathways to enhance a career path that matches a student's skills and interests. These specialized programs enable students to take interest-based courses together with experiential learning in a SHSM sector.

Militia Co-op - Army Reserve

This is a four-credit program that runs in semester 2 only. Students will gain their Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) and Soldier Qualification (SQ) courses upon successful completion. The application and testing process is the same as for all Canadian Forces applicants. This includes, but is not limited to, a fitness test, a medical examination, an aptitude test, and a formal interview with a Canadian Armed Forces Recruitment Officer. Students are encouraged to continue in the Army Reserves after program completion.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship (OYAP)

An OYAP student earns cooperative education credits and gains experience in a skilled trade. Students accumulate workplace hours that count towards both secondary school co-op credits and the requirements of an apprenticeship program. To participate in OYAP, students must be at least 16 years old and have earned a minimum of 16 credits towards their diploma.

Accelerated OYAP

The Accelerated OYAP program is offered in the final (2nd) semester of a student's high school program. Offered as a 4 credit (full day) co-op timetable, the program includes in-school training delivered by a college or training facility to obtain a Level 1 apprenticeship. Opportunities are available for general carpenter, automotive service technician, residential air-conditioning systems mechanic, cook, baker, electrician construction & maintenance, plumber, and child development practitioner (formerly ECE).

It is highly recommended that students interested in participating in Accelerated OYAP take at least a 2 credit co-op program in the trade prior to applying.

Benefits of a Co-op Placement:

Co-op provides students an opportunity to:

Develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes through hands-on experience
Explore a career in order to make informed educational and career decisions
Develop maturity and self-confidence
Strengthen employability skills
Develop networking opportunities
Earn credits towards a diploma; co-op credits count towards the Group 1, 2, and 3 diploma requirements
Complete the program requirements of the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
Participate in specialized programs such as OYAP, Accelerated OYAP or military
Enhance a résumé for post-secondary programs (where a supplemental application or portfolio is required)

What type of student is ideally suited to co-op?

Geared for students in Grade 11 and 12, co-op is for students who want to explore a career. While on placement, students gain valuable work experience and earn academic credits that count toward their high school diploma. If enrolled in a SHSM program, students could even earn credit towards a post-secondary program.

Job opportunities are available for students interested in all pathways - university, college, apprenticeship and workplace.