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Employers

A digital banner "Information for Employers" with the slogan "experience it!". The left side features the program's stylized apple logo and bold white text on a dark, speckled background. On the right side, a tilted, white-bordered photograph shows four male co-op students wearing matching black hoodies and work gear, standing together on a gravel area outside an unfinished wood-frame building structure.

Overview

Are you interested in exploring the benefits of training the future generation? AMDSB students are interested in gaining valuable work experience and they need employers to support them! 

The AMDSB Co-operative Education program (co-op) provides students with valuable work experience while they are earning credits towards their high school diploma. The partnership between the student, school and placement allows students to develop their work ethic, interpersonal skills and employability skills while at the same time earning academic credits.
 

Benefits for students

  • Develops maturity, self-confidence and responsibility
  • Provides experience with technological equipment not available in schools
  • Provides practical on the job training
  • Assists students in exploring career interests and in developing transferable job skills
 

Benefits of becoming a co-op employer 

If you are an employer or community partner who is considering taking on co-op students at your workplace or organization, you will gain the following benefits:
  • Discover motivated future talent
  • Develop supervisory skills among your staff
  • Become active in community partnerships and promote positive attitudes toward your organization
  • Promote awareness of job opportunities
  • No cost to participate - even WSIB is covered
 

Roles and responsibilities of co-op employers

Before the Placement Begins (Onboarding): Interview the student and provide feedback on their resume/ interview performance. Complete and sign the Work Education Agreement (WEA), establish the weekly schedule (15 or 30 hours depending on credits), and deliver site-specific health and safety training.
 
Daily Supervision and Learning: Assign a dedicated supervisor to provide real work experience in a safe, inclusive environment. Share your expertise by offering a variety of tasks and giving clear instructions on daily activities. 

Weekly Administration: Collaborate with the teacher and student to set workplace expectations, and review and sign the student’s log sheets at the end of each week to verify their hours and tasks.
 
Ongoing Communication and Safety: Report any student absences to the teacher immediately, reach out promptly if concerns arise, and follow all established accident and injury reporting procedures.
 

How much time do co-op students spend at their placement? 

Students participate in 1 full term (semester):
  • Semester 1: September to end of January 
  • Semester 2: February to end of June
 
Students complete a 2 credit co-op (half day with the employer) OR a 4 credit co-op (full day with the employer).


Ready to sign up or have more questions? Contact us today!

Email us your questions and we can connect you with your local school: [email protected].