Your responsibilities as a Cooperative Education Employer

Onboarding: welcome students with an introduction to company culture, safety, and procedures
Safe work environment: ensure a safe workplace with proper training and equipment
Meaningful work experiences: Assign relevant tasks and offer opportunities for skill development
Communicate with coop teachers: maintain regular communication with the co-op teacher; this includes verifying student hours of work weekly. Employers complete two formal evaluations
Future opportunities: Consider how placements can support work and apprenticeship pathways

Our Responsibilities:

Pre-employment training: Students receive WHMIS, health and safety training and co-op policy training before their placement (approx. 2 weeks). Student responsibilities related to workplace conduct, daily attendance, OHSA, and professional conduct are established.
Workplace insurance: WSIB insurance is provided by the Ministry of Education during school-baed placements
Ongoing training and pathway support: Students attend monthly integration days at school for further training, reflection and pathway exploration.
Support employer student relationships: co-op teachers are in regular communication with employers to ensure safety and best outcomes including visiting the work site.

Paperwork/ permissions: Co-op involves traveling off campus which requires parent approval and signatures
Attendance: Parental support of daily attendance is very important as co-op credits require a minimum number of hours to complete the program
Transportation: Transportation to and from co-op placements is a student's responsibility. Student can opt for buses, walking, rides, or driving as appropriate
Policy and Expectation: Students must follow co-op policy and expectations related to attendance, safety within their work environment, and completion of course work. Student placements can be discontinued by employers if not followed.

Adaptive Placements: Tailor placements to fit the safety and experiential needs of secondary students, ensuring a great learning experience for students.
Apprenticeship Pathway: Consider supporting smooth transitions from high school to a career, with full-day placements leading to training agreements after graduation.
Insurance: WSIB Insurance is provided by the Ministry of Education for unpaid secondary school cooperative education placements. Employers for summer school and night school cooperative education placements must provide WSIB insurance as students are engaged in paid employment within these programs.