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.
See below to read about the different Co-op programs available to HWDSB students.
If you have additional questions about Co-op at HWDSB, please contact Jeff Adema at 905-527-5092 or email [email protected] or contact your Co-op teacher through the Student Services Department at your secondary school.
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 two 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 HWDSB co-op programs include:
- Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
- Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
- Experiential Specialty Programs
Co-Op Programs
Building Careers From the Ground Up: Construction Program
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.
Caring For Our Future: Healthcare Support Services Program
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 the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board upon successful completion of the program
Admission to this limited enrollment program will be based on a selection process and interview. Apply now!
Army Reserve Co-op Program
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, all while earning high school credits. Students have an opportunity to earn three (3) Secondary school credits. The specific credits will be determined by each school based on the number of hours completed and the learning acquired through participation in the Army Reserve Co-op Program. Suggested credit areas include Physical Education, DCO, and career-related courses.
Students spend the semester at an Armoury (James Street North, Hamilton), from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Students may be required to work several weekends/evenings over the semester, but generally do not train on weekends.
Upon completion of the program, successful students can continue with their unit on a paid, part-time basis about one night per week, and one weekend per month. Summer employment is also available for students who successfully complete this program.
HWDSB Army Reserve Co-op Program Information Sheet 2025-2026
HWDSB Army Reserve Co-op Program Flyer 2025-2026
Army Reserve Coop Intention Form
How to Apply
- Submit an electronic HWDSB Army Reserve NOI 2026 Co-Op V1– this must be completed with a parent/guardian if you are under 18 on the day of submission.
- Visit the Forces.ca website to learn more about the Canadian Forces.
- On the Forces.ca homepage, click on the “Apply Now” icon (located near the bottom of the homepage) to learn more about the application process.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- Students must be at least sixteen (16) years old when they apply (**not at start of program**).
- Students must have earned at least fifteen (15) credits by the time the program begins.
- Students must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents when they apply.
- Students will need government issued photo identification (for example: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-photo-card, passport, drivers license; OHIP/Heath card not accepted).
Application Deadline
Program runs Semester 2 only. The application deadline is September 26, 2025.
To learn more information about the Army Reserve Co-op Program, talk to your Guidance Counsellor and/or Co-op Teacher.
For Employers
On behalf of the staff and students at Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, we extend our sincere appreciation to you, the employers and placement supervisors of the Cooperative Education Program.
Without your active support and endless time and training, this educational program would not be a success. Students are benefiting from your expertise in order to enter an ever-changing workplace. The extension of the classroom to the world of work will develop their life and job-readiness skills and assist them with future career decisions.
Updated on Thursday, April 10, 2025.