1. Co-operative Education St. Patrick’s High School zWhat is co-op? zHow co-op works zProgram statistics zShould I apply? If yes, how? zResponsibilities zWhat can I expect to get out of co-op? zWhat can I do to increase my chances of successfully completing a co-op credit?

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

3. How co-op works zStudents complete 25 hours in class, studying such topics as yJob searching and interview skills yProfessionalism yCareer planning yWorkplace safety yPersonality/aptitude testing and analysis

4. How co-op works zUpon successful completion of the in-class portion, students obtain a “job” in a workplace for 100 hours ymust have a direct supervisor ywill function as an employee while still being supervised by their teacher yno pay received ymay do paid work (if offered by employer) outside of co-op hours

5. Why not just get a part- time job? zCo-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. zCo-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 zNumber of applicants:75 zNumber of participants:56 x8 x8 summer x37 first semester x11 second semester zNo. of community co-operators:37 zTeacher: Mrs. Stiles-Clarke

7. 2003-04 Enrollment in other HRSB schools: zDartmouth High35 zSackville High75 zMillwood60 zAuburn 65 zPrince Andrew 50 zQEH 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? zYou must be 16 years of age before the school board will allow you to do a co-op placement. zYou must have excellent attendance and acceptable marks in your in-school courses, both before you apply and during your credit. zYou must exhibit maturity and responsibility to balance your school obligations with your co-op placement and the rest of your life. zDuring the year, co-op is completed during free periods, after school or on weekends.

10. Should I apply? zYou 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. zYou will not be paid for your co-op hours, but you could possibly be hired by the employer after your credit is finished. zGrade 12s are given priority in the selection process.

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

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

13. Teacher Responsibilities zEnsure students are prepared for the program and especially for the job placement zSupervise students’ progress at the placement zCommunicate regularly with employers and students zComplete all evaluation and preparation as for a regular course

14. Employer Responsibilities zEnsure workplace safety for co-op students zProvide training and supervision zProvide informal and formal evaluation zCommunicate regularly with student and teacher

15. Parent Responsibilities zArrange transportation to and from placement with the student zDiscuss progress in class and in placement with student zHelp student determine career interests and educational plan for the future zCommunicate any concerns to the co-op teacher

16. What can I expect to get out of co-op? zYou 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. zYou 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. zYou 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 z“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? zIf you haven’t already, start treating school like your job. Be professional and responsible at all times. zThink about what you’re going to do after you finish high school. What are you doing now to help yourself in the future? zTalk 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? zMrs. Stiles-Clarke zlclarke@staff.ednet.ns.ca zOffice 421-6738 zhttp://st-pats.ednet.ns.ca/co-op