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Co-op and Experiential Learning

Real Work = Real Learning

Experiential learning opportunities provide real-life work experiences for students in the community.  Students can:
 
• Experience hands-on learning
• Test-drive some cool career options
• Develop the essential skills required in the workplace
• Gain valuable work experience
• Build a resumé for post secondary programs and future employment.
 
There are four main types of experiential learning programs in our schools.
 
1.  Cooperative Education
 
All students, regardless of their postsecondary destination, have the opportunity to take co-op.  Cooperative Education is a planned learning experience, for which credits are earned, that integrates classroom theory and learning experiences at a workplace.  Two co-op credits can count towards a student’s compulsory requirements in Groups 1, 2 and/or 3. To read about one of the amazing Co-op opportunities available in Simcoe County,  click here. 
 
Click here for more details on the types of Cooperative Education programs offered in Simcoe County. Click here to watch a video about the co-op program produced by Barrie North's Viking TV.
 
2.  Job Shadowing 
 
Job shadowing involves the pairing of a student with a worker in a specific occupation at a place of employment for one-on-one observation by the student. 
It may be integrated into any credit course or be a component of a student's school-work transition program.
 
3.  Job Twinning
 
Job twinning involves the pairing of a student with a Cooperative Education student for one-on-one observation at his or her placement.  Job Twinning may be integrated into any credit course and may also be a component of a student's school-work transition program.
 
4.  Work Experience 
 
Work experience is a planned learning opportunity, within any credit course, that provides students with relatively short-term work experiences, usually of one or two weeks' duration and not exceeding four weeks.  Credits cannot be granted for Work Experience alone.


Live Safe! Work Smart! (website with health and safety resources)
Tip Sheets for Workplace Safety - students, employers, supervisors and parents   

For more information on Cooperative Education and Experiential Learning programs in the Simcoe County District School Board, please contact the school involved or contact Justin van Diepen at jvandiepen@scdsb.on.ca or (705) 734-6363, ext. 11465.