"Co-Op" !What is it ?
What r its benefits ?
Where can we enrol for it ?The term "Co-Op" stands for
"Co-operative Education" in Canada. Which is basically an 'Adult Learning Programme' and is aimed at newcomers with 'overseas quals & exp'.
Co-Op programs are unpaid and generally take
18 weeks to complete, in Ontario. Incidentally, Ontario is highly, pretty much, into this 'induction training' for newly landed immigrants... is fully-funded by the Govt. [CIC & other agencies]...while other provinces r a bit lacking behind.
Most regions of Ontario are seriously imparting this awesome & deeply beneficial programme, Eg. Toronto, Peel District etc... whose programs are geared towards helping newcomers get
Canadian work experience. These programs include an 'in-school' component with secondary school credits; and a 'real-time' placement with various employers - both Govt., Quasi-Govt. and the Corporate sector.
The "Co-Op" benefitsSeveral Co-operative education (Co-Op) programs are available through the various "Adult Day Schools" to help adults get Canadian work experience [not entirely for newcomers only]. These FREE programs can help you:
- Get Canadian employment experience,
- Apply your skills in a workplace setting,
- Learn business communication skills,
- Develop the skills and knowledge needed to become confident in the workplace, and
- Get current references from actual employers.
Where do we go to get thatIn
Toronto, the following TDSB [Toronto District School Board] Adult Day schools offer co-op programs:
1. Burnhamthorpe Adult Learning Centre
2. City Adult Learning Centre
3. Emery Adult Learning Centre
4. Scarborough Centre for Alternative Studies
5. Yorkdale Adult Learning Centre
In
Peel,
www.dpcdsb.org [Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board] run these wonderful programs:
1. Business Leadership Co-op
2. Office Accounting Co-op
3. Foreign Trained Professional Co-op
4. Office Administration or Customer Service Co-op
Course ContentsPart 1: In class for
7 weeks. Learn how to job search, write a resume, practice interviewing, research companies for your unpaid work placement and more
! This course will get you ready to succeed on your work placement! English must be your second language to join this program.
Part 2:
9 weeks unpaid work placement in a company that is in your field or occupation of choice
! Gain weeks of Canadian work experience, references, networking and a good chance for paid work in your field
! The work placement allows you to get your foot in the door - so you can show all the experience you have brought with you to Canada.
St. Gabriel Centre
3750 Brandon Gate Drive, Mississauga-ON, L4T 3M8http://www.dpcdsb.org/CEC/CNE/Adult+Centres/St+Gabriels+Centre/Located at Malton-Mississauga, this is by far the best centre for "Co-Op" as it runs classes around-the-year, unlike other centres which have limited [usually 2-3] programs in a year. Thus, if a newcomer gets late to join them, and a course is already on -- s/he doesn't have to wait much to enrol in the next... which would run again in 1-1.5 months max.
Success StoriesUsually, while on a Co-Op placement, one could get either placed in the same org, as a permanent employee, or could/would develop enough links to fetch his/her next proper placement.
A wise idea is to be deeply co-operative, courteous & respectful to the instructor - who, 99%, has a pre-know of the 'nicer' postings - those that lead to a 'full-time job'. Obviously, such postings r sparse, so s/he gets to 'pick' the more 'nicer' students for these placements... get the hint?**“I worked full-time to search companies & job advertisements... I sent my cover letter and resumes to several hundred companies, but I did not get a chance to have a job as a mechanical engineer.... I took part in your co-op program & I got a job offer.”Ali M
Mechanical Engineer “I am pleased to announce that we have hired 3 of your students... this program has provided some highly educated individuals.”Brian Roland
Goodrich Landing Gear DivisionFeesThe Co-Op programs are FREE, however a minuscule 'material fees & registration charges' apply
[$30 currently]... this can be paid by personal check, visa, money order or cash. U receive a 'Registration Card'.
How to Register for a Co-op ProgramFor
St. Gabriel Centre, call them at 905-362-0701 and make an appointment for a 40 minute English test. Bring two things:
1. Your resume
2. Your PR card, citizen card or Canadian passport.
All status documents must be original documents, not photocopies.(A 40 minute English test for non-native speakers is required followed by an interview)Hope that helped...
Qorax**Thanx Explorer101 for this hint.
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