Ops learn and work program

The OPS Learn and Work Program re-engages youth ages 16 to 19 from priority communities by offering them meaningful cooperative education work experiences in the Ontario government and its related agencies.  For the 2007- 2008 school year, the program provided approximately 90 students with at least one paid co-op placement

Piloted in February 2006, this multi-partnership program is led by the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services with the Ministries of Education and Children and Youth Services.  The Toronto District School Board, the Toronto Catholic District School Board, the Greater Essex County District School Board and the Ottawa Catholic District School Board and their students are important partners in this program.

The program will be expanded to Hamilton and Thunder Bay in February 2009.  The current program is being delivered at the following schools for up to 80 students:

• Sir Sandford Fleming Academy in Lawrence Heights, Toronto
• Monsignor Fraser College in Jane/Finch, Toronto
• J.L. Forster Secondary School, Windsor
• St. Pius X High School, Ottawa. 

The OPS Learn and Work Program is just one example of the government's Student Success Strategy to ensure all Ontario students have the opportunity to reach their full potential and continue learning until the age of 18 or graduation.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?

To be eligible to participate, students must live in one of the priority communities identified by the 2005 United Way of Greater Toronto/City of Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Task Force or in a Ministry of Children and Youth Services priority community across Ontario (GTA, Windsor, Ottawa, Hamilton and Thunder Bay).

HOW ARE STUDENTS IDENTIFIED?

Students from schools located in the hub-school community are identified by principals and interviewed by the OPS Learn and Work teacher.  Ontario Public Service interviews confirm student placements.

WHAT KIND OF JOBS CAN STUDENTS EXPECT?

They work in a variety of positions including:

• Administrative assistant
• Emergency management program assistant
• Events assistant
• Legal assistant
• Customer service clerk
• Mailroom clerk
• Family resource worker assistant.
  

WHERE DO THE CO-OP PLACEMENTS TAKE PLACE?

Student co-operative education placements for the program include more than 20 government ministries and related agencies including the, Ontario Science Centre, New Beginnings, the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre, Harmony In Action, St. Mary's Home and Minwaashin Lodge, Aboriginal Women's Support Centre.