Secondary students who train and compete at a provincial, national and /or international level are eligible to earn co-op credits towards their diploma by applying the knowledge and skills they learn in school to their training/competition setting.
Coaches/trainers participating in HPA programs are referred to as "placement supervisors". Their role is to guide the student's learning through appropriate training and supervision.
Who takes HPA?
HPA is specialized co-op programming tailored to meet the learning needs of students who are committed to focusing on their long term career objectives while accommodating competitive training needs. Criteria for consideration/acceptance into HPA programming is based upon:
- eligibility of the sport based on Board Qualifying Eligibility Document*
- level of competition (provincial, national or international);
- the # of hours committed to training;
- the learning needs of the student;
- training season;
- completed application process; and
- a program readiness assessment.
*Please speak to the school's Co-operative Education Department Head for qualifying sports.
What are the benefits for your business and community organization?
Your organization gets to:
- participate in the education of today's youth;
- develop high performance athletes;
- develop supervisory/training skills in staff;
- utilize motivated students who are willing to learn and take on new tasks;
- develop greater understanding between the community and today's youth
How does it work?
HPA programming depends upon a working relationship between you, the coach/trainer, the student, their parents/guardians and the teacher monitor. All participating parties must agree to the HPA Protocol Agreement .
Students are available for work/training either half days (am) or (pm) or full days typically from mid Sept. to mid January or mid February to mid- June.
The "placement supervisor" interviews the interested student to see if there is an appropriate match for the program. The supervisor works alongside the teacher monitor to assist with the development of the Co-operative Education Learning Plan (CELP), and to provide formative evaluation of the student's work performance.
Is it safe?
Health and Safety instruction for students participating in HPA programming is the shared responsibility of the teacher, the placement supervisor and the student. There will be safety training and forms completed at school and at the workplace.
Is there Insurance Coverage?
Students participating in a HPA programs are not covered under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. Students must be covered by the training organization or their parents.
Board Liability Insurance
Students and training organizations are insured against a lawsuit arising out of the negligence of the student while performing the duties of the co-op placement. The Board does not cover personal injuries to the student.
Student Accident Insurance
Student Accident Insurance is made available to all York Region District School Board students. This insurance is optional and is paid for by students and parents. All Cooperative Education students are strongly encouraged to purchase a policy.
Do I have to pay the student?
Students do not normally receive a salary or wage in an education program in which students earn credits. Students, however, are permitted to receive an honorarium, sports funding and/or transportation allowance from your placement should you provide it.
What are the costs associated with the program?
The costs are in your time, support, advice and supervision of the student's work/training progress. Any costs associated with the HPA program are assumed by the student/parent and or training organization.
How does my organization get involved?
Register on-line at the YRDSB Employer Registry. Your information will be sent out to the schools and they will connect with your directly to discuss student placements.