Experiential Learning

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Experiential Learning Programs
Cooperative Education
Specialized "System" School - Work Transition Programs
OYAP - ONTARIO YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Experiential Learning Programs - "Get Experience!" - Top

Experiential Learning includes all planned learning experiences that take place outside of the classroom including coop¬erative education, work experience, job twinning and job shadowing. This unique form of learning can assist all students, including exceptional students, who are bound for apprenticeship, college, university or the workplace, in making career decisions as well as developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes that are essential in today's society. Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board offers a wide range of experiential learning opportunities for its students.

Cooperative Education - Top

Cooperative Education is one form of experiential learning that allows students to gain career awareness while developing their personal portfolio as well as earning credits towards their OSSD through practical work experience. It is designed in such a way that structured out-of-school activities complement in-school learning so that theory and practice can be combined in an educationally beneficial manner. Students participate in a variety of career education and planning activities during pre-placement and reflective learning sessions as part of the co-op program.

Cooperative Education allows the student to: - Top

Explore tentative career choices.
Develop employability skills needed in today's job market.
Improve qualifications for future employment.
Have access to equipment not available in schools.
Earn secondary school credits while gaining practical work experience.
See the relevance of in-school theory as it applies to practical work application.
Understand the importance of education to a particular career.
Develop skills related to a specific career by working with trained professionals

Entry Requirements: - Top

14 years of age (students under 18 require parental consent)
related in-school course
transportation to and from placement where required.

There is no formal restriction on the number of credits a student may obtain through the co-operative education mode of delivery; however, students should maintain a reasonable balance between in-school and out-of-school credits.

Up to two credits earned through Co-Op can count towards the 18 compulsory credits needed for a high school diploma.

All students who apply for the Co-op program are interviewed by a Co-op teacher and will be selected to participate based on their suitability for the program (type of placement requested/available, credit and diploma requirements, access to transportation, dependability etc.) It is important that students begin planning for their Co-op placement early as many placements are competitive and are arranged well in advance.

Co-op is available at every HWDSB Secondary School.

Co-op is the only way to be involved in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) Co-op is a required component of all Specialist High Skills Major programs.

Specialized "System" School - Work Transition Programs - Top

School-work transition programs are specialized programs that prepare students for employment. Most of these pro¬grams are provided for students intending to enter the workforce directly from high school. These programs include both in-school and work-based experiences. Many of our high schools offer some type of school-work transition programs (see school pages for more information). For information about other school based programs, contact the Student Services Department at your school.

Some specific programs are described below. These “system programs” are offered through a central application process, and are open to students from all schools.

"Caring For Our Future": Healthcare Support Services Program - Top

As our population and workforce ages, the need for highly skilled healthcare employees has become paramount. In response to this need, the Healthcare Support Services Program is intended to provide career preparation for senior secondary students with an interest in pursuing a healthcare career. The program design enables students to gain the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviours they will need to participate in related cooperative education experiences in customer support services roles at a Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) hospital site. Examples of customer support serv¬ices roles include Environment Aide and Porter. This unique experiential learn¬ing opportunity is being offered in partnership with Hamilton Health Sciences as a four-credit school-work transition pro¬gram. This program will be offered each semester.

Students Will Learn:

An overview of the health care industry;
Service excellence (including quality management, professionalism, confidentiality and communication skills);
Principles of infection control;
Body mechanics and waste management;
An overview of human anatomy & physiology, and basic medical terminology;
Health and safety issues in healthcare;
Healthcare career opportunities through interactions with a variety of healthcare professionals within the classroom and the local healthcare community

During this all-day semester-long program, students will have the opportunity to:

Earn 4 secondary school credits (two credits in Healthcare Support Services and two credits through Cooperative Education)
Spend the entire semester at Hamilton Health Sciences with a HWDSB teacher and a variety of healthcare workers within one of three acute care hospital sites; all in-class instruction will be held at Chedoke Hospital - Wilcox Building
Develop the skills necessary for success in a healthcare career
Make contact with the largest healthcare employer in the region
Receive certification in Healthcare Support Services endorsed by Hamilton Health Sciences and Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board upon successful completion of the program

Contact Student Services or Cooperative Education for an application form. Admission to this limited enrollment program will be based on a selection process and interview. Apply now!

Lime Ridge Mall Community Co-op Program - Top

The Lime Ridge Mall Community Co-op program is offered off-site at the K-Lite FM Building. Co-op placements are within Lime Ridge Mall and the surrounding area. This program accepts applications on a "continuous intake" basis. Students from any Secondary School in Hamilton Wentworth area are invited to apply.

The 4-credit (full semester, all day) program gives students an opportunity to earn one credit in "Discovering the Workplace" (GLD2O1), one credit in "Navigating the Workplace" (GLN4O1) and two credits in an appropriate related course through Cooperative Education. The two in-school courses offered in this program are intended to help students develop the knowledge and skills necessary for success in today's workplace.

"Discovering the Workplace" helps students identify and develop the workplace essential skills and work habits that are required for success in the workplace. Through various experiential learning opportunities, students will prepare for, and complete, two work experiences in Lime Ridge Mall or within Hamilton-Wentworth community.

"Navigating the Workplace" will enable students to further develop the workplace essential skills and to explore the workplace through experiential learning opportunities. The combination of course material, work experiences and Cooperative Education will assist students in making a smooth transition from high school to their chosen post-secondary destination.

Contact Student Services in your school for more information and an application form. You can also visit the classroom site or call for more information:

Lime Ridge Mall Coop Classroom
205-883 Upper Wentworth St. - K-Lite FM Building
Hamilton, ON
Teacher: Mr. Joe Henderson (905) 383-6665

"Building Careers From The Ground Up" Residential Construction Program - Top

This is a unique six credit, all day, full semester program. It provides students with the opportunity to experience the many skills and trades available in the home building industry. Students have the opportunity to earn six credits in Senior Construction Technology through in class and cooperative education modes of delivery. Students will also obtain Fall Protection Training and WHMIS Certification. In the process, they will construct a house from the foundation up, together with one of our community partners. This program started 7 years ago with a house being built for Homes By DeSantis in Stoney Creek. Since the program started we have built one house a year, partnering with John Bruce Robinson Construction Ltd. in Binbrook, and most recently with New Horizon Homes.

Students will:

Develop skills necessary for success in the highly competitive world of home construction.
Be eligible for apprenticeship opportunities through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).
Develop critical skills that are transferable to any post secondary destination and the world of work.
Make contact with potential employers for future employment.

Currently, this program runs only during Semester One. Long days and relevant Co-op placements allow students to earn up to 6 credits.

Students interested in applying should contact Student Services.

Army Reserve Co-op Program - Top

The Army Reserve Co-op Program is an opportunity for students to gain experience in a military environment, develop self-confidence, leadership and teamwork skills, while earning high school credits. This program runs Semester Two only, and students can earn 4 credits.

Students spend the semester at an Armoury (James Street North, Hamilton), arriving every morning and returning home every evening. Students may be required to work several weekends/evenings over the semester, but generally do not train on weekends. The student will attend high school classes at the Armoury in the morning (2 credits - one in Phys. Ed. and one in Math). Students complete their Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) training in the afternoon (2 credits through Co-op).

Students in this program are signed into one of the Reserve Units participating in this program. Students in this program are paid approximately $212 (gross pay) per week for the military training portion of the program. There is no cost for the uniform and field equipment.

Upon completion of the program, successful students can continue with their unit on a part time basis (approximately one night per week, and weekend per month – paid). Employment for the summer is also available for students who successfully complete the Co-op program.

OYAP - Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program - Top

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) allows students to attend high school and begin training as a regis¬tered apprentice at the same time. This program, available in all HWDSB secondary schools allows students to get a head start earning hours toward an apprenticeship. Prior to beginning an apprenticeship, students will participate in the Cooperative Education program. The purpose of the Cooperative Education component is to provide both the student and the employer with the opportunity to determine if apprenticeship is a suitable option. Students must be at least 16 years of age and can be in Grade 11, 12 or a post graduate. If the student and employer are both in agreement, the Apprenticeship Branch of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities is contacted to register the student as an apprentice. As a registered apprentice, the student may earn a wage and is awarded credits for their graduation diploma (OSSD). Further information can be obtained through your school OYAP contact teacher, Guidance Counsellor, Technological Studies teacher or Cooperative Education teacher. (For more detailed information, go to www.oyaphwdsb.com)

Students at every Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board secondary school have the opportunity to be involved in OYAP. Through specialized Cooperative Education, and appropriate in school subjects, students can get experience in an apprenticeship trade, and if they "show the right stuff", can actually start an apprenticeship while still in high school!

What is the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program? - Top

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) offers Ontario secondary school students the opportunity to train as a registered apprentice while enrolled in school. It allows a student to complete his or her Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and to gain apprenticeship training towards at Certificate of Qualification with journeyperson status in a skilled trade.

What is an apprenticeship? - Top

An apprenticeship is an agreement between a person who wants to learn a skilled trade and an employer who needs a skilled worker. It involves a combination of on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed journeyperson (a person who has mastered the skills of an occupation) and in-school training. The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (Apprenticeship Branch) regulates this agreement.

Benefits to youth: - Top

Provide a start in a chosen career along with the flexibility for later career changes
Ease the transition from school to work
Increase opportunities for post secondary training and employment
OYAP students may earn a wage in addition to earning a secondary school credit
Develop both specialized and general employability skills including: problem solving, decision-making, teamwork, good work habits, confidence, and self-reliance
Develop an understanding of employer expectations in the work world and the need for lifelong learning
Receive training and employment opportunities within Hamilton Wentworth Region

Apprentice trades are available in over 140 occupations, and a student can get experience in many of these through an OYAP Co-op placement! Some of these include:

Brick and Stone Mason, Automotive Service Technician, Autobody and Collision Repair, General Machinist, Electrician, Horticulturist, Hairstylist, Truck and Coach Mechanic, Painter, Cement Finisher ... For a complete list, go to the Student Services Dept. at your school, or talk to the OYAP Contact Teacher in your school.

How do you get started? - Top

If you are at least 16 years old, and will have at least 16 credits, talk to the OYAP Contact Teacher or Student Services Department in your school. Choose Coop for at least two credits to get started. This program is open to Grade 11, Grade 12 or "Post-Grad" students. (Please see individual school and school-specific courses for some of our specialized OYAP programs.)

Accelerated Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs - Top

As described above, OYAP is available at all high schools through the regular Coop program. In addition, several specialized programs are available.

Accelerated OYAP Program in Automotive Service Technology - Top

This is a specialized program being offered in partnership with Mohawk College, the MTCU and other local school boards. This program is offered to senior students and post-graduate students from every secondary school in the HWDSB. Students will attend Mohawk College for 2 days a week, and will be at a Co-op placement 3 days a week. The Mohawk Course is tuition free! Successful student will earn up to 4 credits.

Students must be scheduled for an all day Automotive Coop placement during Semester 2 (Feb. - June)
Students must be signed apprentices. A previous Coop experience should be used to help with this (i.e. Grade 11 Coop experience convinces employer to sign student up and take part in this program for Grade 12)
Students must take at least one Grade 12 Transportation Technology course and a Senior Math during Semester 1.
Students will be enrolled in their "home school" for the Coop program, and will be considered a full time student at their home school.
The Mohawk College course is the first level of "in-school" apprenticeship training (commonly called "Trade School")

Interested students should talk to their Student Services, Cooperative Education, or Family Studies Departments for more information and applications.

Accelerated OYAP Program in Early Childhood Education - Top

Students must be scheduled for an all day Early Childhood Education Coop placement during Semester 2 (Feb. - June). Students must be signed apprentices.
A previous Coop experience should be used to help with this (i.e. Grade 11 Coop experience convinces employer to sign student up and take part in this program for Grade 12)
Students must take at least one Grade 12 Parenting course and a Senior English during Semester 1.
Students will be enrolled in their "home school" for the Coop program, and will be considered a full time student at their home school.
The Mohawk College course is the first level of "in-school" apprenticeship training (commonly called "Trade School").

Interested students should talk to their Student Services, Cooperative Education, or Family Studies Departments for more information and applications.

Accelerated OYAP Program in Child and Youth Worker - Top

Students must be scheduled for an all day Child and Youth Worker Coop placement during Semester 2 (Feb. - June).
Students must be signed apprentices. A previous Coop experience should be used to help with this (i.e. Grade 11 Coop experience convinces employer to sign student up and take part in this program for Grade 12)
Students must take at least one Grade 12 Family Studies course and a Senior English during Semester 1.
Students will be enrolled in their "home school" for the Coop program, and will be considered a full time student at their home school.
The Mohawk College course is the first level of "in-school" apprenticeship training (commonly called "Trade School")
Upon successful completion of Part 1 students may enroll in Part 2 the following September.
NOTE - (Part 1 is not a pre-requisite for Part 2, students may enroll in September for Part 2 and then take Part 1 the following February).