Cooperative Education Department

Cooperative Education is a credit-earning program that integrates classroom course expectations with practical experience in the workplace.  The program is based on an agreement between Thornlea Secondary School and community-based partners, and involves the participation of students, teachers, and placement supervisors.

Students are in class at the beginning of the semester and then proceed to their placements for the duration of the term.  Co-op teachers visit placements on a regular basis to monitor student progress and ensure safety standards are in place.  Students can select a half day, 2 credit Co-op program (morning or afternoon) or a full day, 4 credit Co-op program.

Although formal Co-op courses are usually available only to Grade 11 and 12 students and are linked to in-school courses, the workplace experience actually begins in Grade 9 when students participate in "Take Your Kids to Work Day," and in Grade 10 during Job Shadowing opportunities.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

This is an opportunity for a student to meet diploma requirements while participating in an apprenticeship occupation through Co-op placements and related curriculum. Learn more about OYAP.