Hands-On Learning Through Co-operative Education

Sometimes to learn, you need to step outside of the classroom. Through Greenwood’s 2-credit  co-operative education course, Grade 11 students can gain workplace experience and learn new skills by diving headfirst into a new environment.

At the co-op fair on May 10, the 20 students in the co-op program presented their experiences in their workplaces. The fields they worked in and the experience they gained were diverse. Students worked in a hospital, elementary school, tech startup, bike mechanic shop, bakery, just to name a few. Some of their co-op supervisors came into Greenwood to see their presentations.

The co-op program helps students gain work experience, and work on soft skills like problem-solving and communication in a different context than the classroom. It can help students get a better idea of their career interests and direction, and ensure they’re prepared for work environments. Some Greenwood students have even used the co-op program to find their first job.

According to Ms. Watson, who runs the co-op program at Greenwood, “Co-op provides a challenging yet supportive environment for students to learn first-hand how to succeed and contribute to the greater community.”