Studies Combined with Work Experience

Viamonde’s high schools offer programs that fall under a North American pedagogy called cooperative studies (coop). This is a combination of in-school learning and work experience or internships, for the students’ last years of high school.

This cooperative education is growing in relevance as it allows students to identify their interests and acquire work experience. Employers, on the other hand, have access to a training workforce that is willing and ready to work.

Viamonde offers the 3 types of cooperative studies listed below. The links lead to pages from the Ontario Ministry of Education with more detailed information:

1. Specialist High Skills Major  (see section below);

2. Skilled trades in Ontario schools: Skilled trades is a program approved by the Ontario Ministry of Education that allows students to earn high school credits through an internship. This course is for high school students who want to apprentice, enter the workforce, or pursue college or university studies.

Students have the opportunity to:

• gain practical apprenticeship experience and explore various careers;

• recognize the importance of classroom learning and earn credits through valuable work experience;

• acquire essential skills, workplace habits and gain valuable work experience.

3. Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP): The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) allows students to accumulate hours and experience in their apprenticeship training for their desired field.

Eligibility:

• must be 15 years old and above,

• must be enrolled full-time in school,

• must have already accumulated 14 credits,

• must be doing a cooperative education internship in a specialized trades field.