High School Co-op Student Program

The City of Hamilton supports the high school co-op program which is standardized by the Board of Education.  High school students in grades 11 & 12 are required to complete a work experience to be counted towards graduation. They are expected to complete 220 hours of work to receive full credit.  This program is run by the school boards, and they set the standards and guidelines of the program.

Students in grades 11 & 12 (15 to 17 yrs. old)

Employment length

• The employment length is four months long, this is equal to one semester term.
• The program is run in conjunction with the school semesters.
• Semester one runs from September to January.
• Semester two runs from February to June.

Hours of work

• The hours of work are half days, every day
• Either AM or PM placements can be selected depending on timetables and the need of the hiring department.
• Hours of work are three hours per day
• AM students typically work from 8:30 am to 11:30 am
• PM students typically work from 1 to 4 pm. 
• Students MUST complete 220 hours in order to receive full academic credit.

Hours can be flexible keeping in mind that the student will have classes in the other parts of the day, as well as transportation considerations. 

Program requirements

• Must be enrolled in high school with any of the above noted academic institutions.

Type of work

• Students from this program are typically given entry level tasks, exposure to regular business practices is ideal. 
• The students can take part in meetings, events and presentations where applicable. 
• Some examples of positions that the City of Hamilton offers are:
  • Municipal By-Law Office
  • Provincial Offences Office
  • Information Technology
  • Finance & Accounting
  • Macassa Lodge (Long Term Care Facility)
  • Tourism Office
  • Gage Park/Forestry
  • City Housing

Interviews

• Interviews normally take place on the same day City wide. 
• Advance notice is provided to Co-op/Guidance Counsellors regarding when interviews are taking place student names. 
• As part of the work experience program, interviews are encouraged to help students understand the process of employment and interviews are encouraged. 
• Students are reminded to focus on their academic, extra-curricular, and community involvement experience when answering interview questions.

Application Process

• The City of Hamilton does not accept applications directly. 
• Students must review the co-op postings in their high school guidance/co-op office, and express their interest to their co-op coordinator.