Experiential Learning activities vary in length and commitment from both the student and the employer or community placement. This experience gives you a chance to get a quick look (through shadowing, twinning or work experience) or even a semester-long look (through Cooperative Education) at potential career options.
There are five types of Experiential Learning opportunities at Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board:
For a list of System School to Work Programs click here.
For more information regarding Co-op at HWDSB, please contact Rich Neufeld at 905-527-5092, ext. 2256 or contact your Co-op teacher through the Student Services Department at your secondary school.
The WHT'S NEXT Conference
A MUST conference for current and past registered OYAP students. Click here to find out more.
Job Shadowing - Top
Many of you would be familiar with the Canada-wide program called “Take Our Kids to Work Day”. This is an example of Job Shadowing that takes place on the 1st Wednesday of November every year, and encourages Grade 9 students to “go to work” with a parent, guardian, family friend, etc.
Job shadowing allows a student to spend between one half-day and three days with a worker in a specific occupation. Job shadowing may be integrated into any credit course, at any grade level, and may be a component of a student’s school-work transition program.
Preparation for job shadowing should include in-school instruction on employer’s expectations, workplace health and safety procedures, and work ethics and attitudes. Teachers are responsible for ensuring the selection of appropriate placements in safe work environments. Job shadowing experiences lasting one day or less should be treated as field trips, and the appropriate field trip forms must be completed. Following the job shadowing experience, students should be given the opportunity to discuss the experience, analyse it in relation to their educational and career planning.
Take Our Kids to Work Day - Top
Take Our Kids to Work is a one-day job-shadowing experience that is delivered across Canada. It's a chance for students in Grade 9 to connect what they are learning in school with what happens in the workplace. Students also have an opportunity to see how a parent or another adult spends his or her day.
Job Twinning - Top
Job Twinning is the same as Job Shadowing, but the student shadows a Cooperative Education student at their Co-op placement. Subject teachers and the student would need to work closely with the Co-op teacher to make arrangements for a Job Twinning experience.
Work Experience - Top
Work Experience gives students a chance to spend some time at a workplace for a limited period of time (from one to four weeks). Work Experience can be a component of, and be integrated into any credit course, at any grade level.
Students and teachers work together to prepare for a work experience. This includes instruction on job-readiness skills, health and safety procedures in the workplace, and school and placement expectations.
Workplace Safety and Insurance Act coverage is provided, and the policies and procedures required for Cooperative Education (Co-op) must be followed for Work Experience.
Cooperative Education - Top
What is Co-op?
It’s a chance for students to get out into the “real world” to apply, and practice things they have learned in some of their “in school” courses.
- Co-op is offered in every HWDSB high school
- Up to 2 credits earned through Co-op can be part of your compulsory credit requirements
- There is no limit to the number of credits you can earn in Co-op
- System School to Work Programs are also available. These Pathway programs are available to all HWDSB students, and offered at various specialized facilities.
Our Secondary schools have Co-op Education programs that can provide children with hands-on learning in an area of their choice. Co-op programs combine theory and practice to help students prepare for their career goals. Some examples of Co-op programs offered by Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board are:
Expanded Co-op Credits - Top
- Experience hands-on learning
- "Test-drive" career options
- See the relevance of their classroom learning
- Develop the essential skills and work habits required in the workplace
- Gain valuable work experience to help build a resume for postsecondary programs and future employment
- Credits earned through Co-op can be used towards 2 compulsory credits and towards calculating eligbility for Ontario Scholar
Who is it for?
All students who are heading for apprenticeship, college, university or the workplace.
