Co-operative Education at the M.F. McHugh Education Centre

Co-operative Education continues to expand. A number of students have successfully secured high school credits in conjunction with their off site work experience. Pre-placement materials (associated with Ministry of Education curriculum documents) are studies in a classroom setting prior to placements. During class time, students explore personal interests, define their abilities, prepare for job interviews and successfully obtain suitable and meaningful work placements in the real world.

Our students had opportunities to work in a variety of offices this year. The Offices of Mayor Chiarelli continued to host a student who was interested in exploring the political arena. Our neighbouring Parent Resource Centre provide two consecutive placements, with students having an opportunity to investigate office administration as it relates to community support programming within a daycare environment. Island Lodge also hosted two students on separate work placements, where emphasis was put on learning office routines and advancing technological skills. Shepherds of Good Hope continue to support students - one to assist in the area of office administration and another to take on a leadership role in the clothing exchange program. Additionally, the Odawa Native Friendship Centre offered a short-term Cooperative Education placement that translated into a part-time job for the student involved. At the Amethyst Addiction Women's Centre, work was provided for a student whose bilingual skills allowed her to assist in the development of a French language policy manual.

The field of health care was an area of interest for this year's group of students. Once again, the Cancer Centre at the General Campus of the Ottawa Hospital hosted a student interested in learning about the medical records department. At the Civic Campus, a student had an opportunity to work on a ward and in an office setting, plus serve the public in the shops along the hospital mall. The McHugh Education Centre's program, Steps to Success, welcomed a student who was determined to explore the needs of special education students in a primary and elementary setting. At the Elgin Street Public School, a primary classroom was an excellent work environment for a student who will continue with post-secondary education, with aims of becoming a teacher.

The staff of Mulligan's Florist again offered expertise when one of our students expressed an interest in learning more about horticulture - the student gained knowledge about indoor/outdoor gardening and floral design. Staff at Bel Fiore Florist also provided a forum for a student to learn more about entrepreneurship as it relates to flowers, plants and preparing for special events. Both placements served to benefit students involved.

Work site supervisors assist students in building confidence as they explore their areas of interest in the world of work.