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- May-2010
"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" benefits
Several 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 that
In 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 Contents
Part 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 3M8
http://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 Stories
Usually, 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 Division
Fees
The 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 Program
For 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.
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" benefits
Several 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 that
In 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 Contents
Part 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 3M8
http://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 Stories
Usually, 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 Division
Fees
The 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 Program
For 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.
now i am pleasantly informed!!! 
