There are a number of program options available to you when you take co-op.
Centralized placements refer to applications that are submitted to a potential employer through the YRDSB Board office. Applications for these positions take place the semester before students being in Coop. For instance, a student in semester 2 Co-op would need to apply in October/November of the previous year, a student in semester 1 Co-op would apply in May/June the previous school year.
These interviews are competitive and there are often limits on the number and/or quality of applications a school can submit. Applications must be professional and complete, and submitted on time to be eligible. Not all students will be offered an interview based on their application.
Placements will typically release an updated copy of the departments taking Co-op students prior to each application process. These often change year to year and semester to semester. Students may apply to one area and be accepted into another.
Students who indicate interest in a centralized placement during the Co-op interview process will be contacted by the Co-op department when applications come out. A resume / cover letter writing workshop if offered and highly recommended to assist students in getting an interview.
NOTE: Students interested in applying to Centralized Placements should check back here regularly for more information regarding program offerings and due dates for upcoming semesters.
Examples of Centralized Placements:
Markham Stouffville Hospital (more placements are typically offered in the morning)
Other GTA area hospitals (NYH, Mackenzie Health)
YRDSB I/T Services
Sheraton Parkway North Hotel (4 credit)
York Regional Police Safety Village (4 credit only)
Canadian Armed Forces (Army Reserve) (4 credit only)**
Students interested in a Skilled Trades Coop usually enter a pre-apprenticeship College program or are registered as an apprentice (OYAP) during their Co-op placement.
Any student who does a Co-op in a Skilled Trade is considered an OYAP student. However, there are different profiles that students may fit. Students who are interested in becoming apprentices will usually take Co-op in Grade 11 (exploratory) and Grade 12 (registered apprentice).
Learn more about OYAP and Accelerated OYAP at Dr. G. W. Williams.
A Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements to graduate from secondary school. It also assists in their transition after graduation to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace. MMHS offers a Health & Wellness SHSM, an Environment SHSM, and a Business SHSM. Students who are interested in earning the SHSM designation will have the opportunity to participate in reach aheads, career exploration and specialized certifications. To earn the SHSM designation students MUST earn a minimum of 2 Cooperative Education credits in an SHSM Placement Area.
ALL SHSM students are Co-op Students. But not all Co-op Students are SHSM students.
Learn more about SHSM at Dr. G. W. Williams.
Combine the Co-op work experience, with 1 weekly, 3-4 hour, college course and earn Co-op credits and 1 college credit. See Guidance or Co-op for the list of courses being offered in each semester.