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 2008- 2009 school year, the program provided approximately 150 students with at least one paid co-op placement.

Piloted in February 2006, this multi-partnership program is led by the Ministry of Government 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, the Ottawa Catholic District School Board, the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board, the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board and their students are important partners in this program.

The 2008-09 program is being delivered at the following schools:

• Monsignor Fraser College in Jane/Finch, Toronto
• Bendale Business and Technical Institute, Toronto
• J.L. Forster Secondary School, Windsor
• St. Pius X High School, Ottawa
• St. Patrick’s High School, Thunder Bay
• Delta Secondary School, Hamilton.

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 (Greater Toronto Area, 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 cooperative education work placements for students.

WHAT KIND OF JOBS CAN STUDENTS EXPECT?

They work in a variety of positions including:

• Program Assistant
• Customer Service Assistant
• Emergency Management Program Assistant
• Events Assistant
• Legal Assistant
• Airport Services Assistant
• Mailroom clerk
• Life Skills Worker Assistant.

WHERE DO THE CO-OP PLACEMENTS TAKE PLACE?

Student cooperative education placements for the program include more than 20 government ministries and related agencies including the, Ontario Science Centre, New Beginnings,  Harmony In Action,  Good Shepherd Centres, Today’s Family and the Hamilton East Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club.