FAQ

We have never hosted a co-op student before. Can we still participate in the BSS Co-op program?

Absolutely! You do not need an established co-op or internship program. The BSS co-op teacher can work with you to develop a placement that suits your organization's schedule, capacity and goals, including identifying appropriate learning opportunities, developing a job description and determining meaningful tasks for the student.

What can a BSS co-op placement look like?

There is no single model for a successful co-op placement. Depending on the workplace, students may shadow professionals, contribute to ongoing projects, assist with administrative or organizational tasks, interact with clients or patients where appropriate, rotate through different departments, attend meetings or combine several types of experiences.

The goal is to provide students with meaningful exposure to a professional field while giving them opportunities to gradually contribute and take on appropriate responsibilities. The co-op teacher works with each host organization to design a placement that aligns with the student’s interests while also reflecting the organization’s needs, capacity and work environment.

What is expected of a BSS co-op host?

Co-op hosts provide students with a welcoming and safe environment where they can observe, learn and contribute in ways that are appropriate for the workplace. Hosts are asked to provide guidance and occasional feedback, much as they would when welcoming a new member to their team.

Before the placement begins, the co-op teacher will work with the host to identify suitable activities and responsibilities, and will remain available for support as needed throughout the placement. Hosts are also asked to provide a brief workplace and health and safety orientation at the beginning of the placement.

We aim to make hosting a student straightforward and manageable, and placements can be designed around the organization’s capacity and day-to-day operations.

How are BSS students prepared before beginning their placements?

Before beginning their placements, students complete classroom preparation focused on workplace readiness, including resume and interview skills, professional communication, transferable skills, workplace health and safety, human rights, ethics and employment law.

Are BSS co-op placements paid?

No. BSS co-op placements are unpaid learning experiences completed as part of a credit-bearing secondary school course. The focus is on providing students with meaningful workplace exposure, mentorship, skill development and opportunities to explore potential career pathways.

What paperwork is required before a BSS co-op placement begins?

Yes. Before the placement begins, BSS coordinates a Co-op Placement Agreement involving the student, parent/guardian, host supervisor and co-op teacher. The co-op teacher also conducts a brief workplace visit to review health and safety policies and ensure the placement is appropriate for the student.

When are BSS students available to attend their co-op placements?

BSS operates on an eight-day rotating timetable, so students are typically available to attend their placement two to three times per week for approximately three hours per visit. Co-op placement times rotate as follows:

• Day 2: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

• Day 4: 11:00 am - 1:30 pm

• Day 6: 1:00 - 4:00 pm

At the beginning of the placement, employers receive access to a shared spreadsheet outlining all dates and times the student is available. Employers can use this schedule to identify the dates that work for their organization, while students and the co-op teacher use it to track completed placement hours.

We understand that workplace and student scheduling conflicts may arise from time to time. There is flexibility within the schedule, and the co-op teacher will work with students and employers to accommodate changes when needed.

Do I need to host a BSS co-op student for the entire school year?

No. We understand that a longer-term placement may not work for everyone. That's why we welcome shorter-term placements, where students split their time between two different organizations.