Alternative Programs offered in the District School Board of Niagara
Armed Forces Co-op
This is a full day program, offered in partnership with The Canadian Armed Forces which operates from at the Lake Street Armoury in St. Catharines. Two academic credits are earned in a combination of senior Canadian and World Studies, and Physical Education. Two Cooperative Education credits are earned based on instruction/training/employment at a Canadian Armed Forces Base in one or more military trades. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and have earned at least 15.0 credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Students must also hold Canadian citizenship and be physically fit for acceptance into the program. Two additional Cooperative Education credits can also be earned for students (for a total of 6.0 credits with this program) who choose and are selected to participate in summer training during the month of July.
Agricultural Co-op
This is an on-line rural Co-op program that will provide students with the opportunity to earn up to 4 Co-op credits during a semester. A paying job can be used as a placement site.
Priority will be given to rural students at: Beamsville District SS, E.L. Crossley SS, Niagara District SS, Ridgeway-Crystal Beach HS, South Lincoln HS and those students wanting to return to complete their OSSD.
CO-OP reg form2007.pdf
Connecting to College Through Co-op
This program is offered at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus of Niagara College and provides high school students with the opportunity to earn two general education credits from the college (based on weekly attendance at the college one day per week during the second semester). These are considered "dual credits" and are fully transferable to any other college in Ontario. On the other four days the students are placed in Cooperative Education placements and are supervised by teachers from their home school. They can earn up to three Cooperative Education credits during the semester.
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program ( OYAP)
Students who participate in this program obtain both apprenticeship hours and high school credits at the same time. The program allows secondary school students to get a head start on earning hours towards their apprenticeship.
Students who are interested in participating in apprenticeship education should explore technological education courses offered throughout the DSBN. To participate in OYAP, the student will need to take Cooperative Education in their senior years. If the employer and student agree, the Training Consultant from the Ministry of Education and Training may sign the student to an apprenticeship at any time during the Co-op placement.
Students who are at least 16 years of age and have completed the credit requirements for Grade 10 or equivalent will qualify for the program.
Specialist High Skills Major
A SHSM in Construction is a Ministry- approved specialized program that enables students to customize their high school experience to suit their interests and talents, to meet the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, and to prepare for a successful post-secondary transition to apprenticeship training, college, university, or employment in the construction sector. A SHSM enables students to gain sector-identified preparatory skills and knowledge and to make informed career decisions.
For the 2007-08 school year the District School Board of Niagara will offer a Specialist High Skills Major in Construction, Manufacturing and Hospitality/Tourism.
Components of a Specialist High Skills Major:
1. A bundle of 11 required credits, including 4 “major” credits in English and Mathematics
2. Certifications recognized by the construction sector: Certifications, especially those addressing safety, are important for students. The Construction Major courses and the experiential learning components of the SHSM – Construction, require students to have the knowledge and skills related to safe work habits. In addition, students with sector recognized certifications have an advantage when entering the workplace.
Students in the SHSM - Construction are required to earn:
Construction Safety Association of Ontario (CSAO) Health and Safety – Basic
Standard First Aid
WHMIS
Fall Protection
and any 3 (three) of the following:
- Energy efficiency training (e.g., the Energy Star Certification Program)
- Electrical Safety
- Traffic Control
- Scaffold Safety
- Chain Saw Safety
- Confined Space Awareness
- Elevating Work Platforms
- Forklift Safety
- Hoisting & Rigging
- Power Actuated Tools
- Propane in Construction
- Suspended Access Equipment
- Trenching Safety
3. Experiential Learning
Experiential learning (e.g., job-shadowing, job twinning) work experience is planned learning experiences that take place in the community. Credits in the SHSM framework must include experiential learning opportunities for students so they can connect their learning in school to work in the sector. Cooperative education provides strong links to classroom learning when it occurs in an appropriate placement that matches students’ goals and interests and includes close monitoring by teachers and workplace supervisors.
The SHSM – Construction framework includes a minimum of two credits, and ideally additional credits, in Cooperative Education linked to the Construction Major credits.
4. Use of the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) to document demonstration of essential skills and work habits.
5. “Reach Ahead” opportunities, which allow students to experience learning in their intended post-secondary destination and which can range from a day of attendance at a college, a university, or a workplace to the completion of a dual credit.
For the 2007- 08 school year the District School Board of Niagara will offer a Specialist High Skills Major in: Construction, Manufacturing and Hospitality/Tourism
Summer School Co-op
Applications for the program are available in secondary schools in April. Completed applications should be forwarded to Community Education as soon as possible. (The deadline for applying in May 30th)Students will have an opportunity to earn two credits in this program which runs from June 28 to the end of the first week in August.
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