A HAMILTON DISTRICT CHRISTIAN HIGH PUBLICATION
SPRING 2022
Vol. 15 Issue 2
Experiential Education
Students learning and working in our community HDCH co-op students have a remarkable opportunity to learn from workforce partners in a hands-on way. Co-op experiences may affirm a student’s vocational path, and it may also spark a new career direction or focus area. Thanks to our many years of sending reliable, eager and articulate HD students to co-op placements, with wonderful results, HD is blessed with many relationships with employers who request our students year after year. Co-op Education Director, Richard VanEgmond, works with both student and co-op placement employers to set guidelines, goals and parameters. “One of the strengths of our program is that through long relationships with our employers, we’ve established a trust relationship. It’s easy to make co-op work when our students are so dedicated to making their placement a success, and so eager to serve their co-op employer.” And we are blessed with many wonderful employers who are willing to mentor our students in what it means to worship and serve through their work. h
HD’s Co-op program is an embodiment of both our mission “Cultivating character, through learning, for a life of service to God” as well as our Vision: To see all HDCH students become a faithful presence in the communities that they serve.
Claire Wiebenga Grade 12 student
Sharing Abundance
My plan for post-secondary is to study Art and Art History, which has been influenced by my co-op at Earls Court Gallery. Through participating in art appraisals, Earl’s Court introduced me to art history, and I learned that I am really interested in it. If I was talking to another student who is thinking about co-op, I would say “Go for it. It’s a great, hands-on, real world experience.” h
PHOTO : HANK RINTJEMA
James DeJong, Grade 11 student
I chose Howie’s Hockey because I love hockey, and Howie’s is all about hockey. I did some computer work, including SalesPad and ShipStation, and learned all about warehouse management. It surprised me at first to see how big the orders were and that they were coming in from all across Canada. Every Friday, we’d have a team barbeque and play hockey outside together, and I found this really helped me know the team better. I had not been aware of the hockey accessory business before I did this co-op, and now I am giving this a lot of thought as a potential career. I hope other students consider a co-op placement – it is a lot of fun! h
Paige DeBoer, Grade 12 student
I chose a placement at the Ancaster Mill because I was interested in learning more about the event planning industry. During my co-op, I worked as a wedding concierge, maitre d’, and event server. I loved interacting with the brides and grooms–and it was surprising to learn how many people are needed to run one wedding. Key skills I learned through my co-op are leadership, problem solving, and time management. This co-op definitely influenced my decision to study event planning at college. h
Our Co-op Employers say...… James was our first HDCH co-op student. He was an excellent fit for us and exceeded performance targets for accuracy and speed. He had a great attitude, was willing to perform any duties as needed, and was able to learn and complete all the processes asked of him. We would absolutely have another co-op student! h Daniel Grootenboer, Howie’s Hockey, Burlington We have been involved with co-op programs over the past fifteen years. There has been a high level of detail and very open communication between HDCH and our company. Our recent co-op student, Wes, was eager to learn and everyone on staff enjoyed his personality and work ethic. h Brian DeJong, Country Electric, St George
Wes VanDixhoorn, Grade 12 student PHOTOS : HANK RINTJEMA
New this year!
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
What is OYAP? • • • •
a school-to-work program that allows a student to explore one of over 140 Skilled trades during a co-op placement includes safety training and WSIB insurance coverage provides on the job training and a head start towards apprenticeship students earn Ontario Secondary School Diploma credits while taking important steps toward a skilled trade
Would you like to be a Co-op Employer? If you would like to explore the possibilities around having an HD student join your team, please contact Richard VanEgmond at rvanegmond@hdch.org.
What is apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is a post secondary learning opportunity offering participants a way to gain hands-on mastery of a trade. With supervision and coaching by a qualified expert, the apprentice receives on the job training and attends technical training courses. It can take 3 to 5 years to complete.
Placements include trades, as well as workplaces ranging from art galleries to restaurants!
How does OYAP support apprenticeship?
Students participating in OYAP can become registered apprentices before graduating from HDCH. This means, while participating in our co-operative Education program, students can accumulate hours towards their journeyperson certification in one of over 140 skilled trades. This gives our students a huge boost in their career progress. The program also provides required safety training, workplace insurance and assistance with locating qualified employers.
Starting with Co-op
HD’s Co-op Director, Richard VanEgmond will make sure that all students who can benefit from OYAP will have a chance to do so. We always welcome students and families to connect with us on opportunities like these! h
Connecting With Us Sandra Baker Duncan Todd Director, Advancement & Admissions Principal sbaker@hdch.org dtodd@hdch.org 905.466.0237 905.746.7961
www.hdch.org | 905.648.6655
HDCH:info
Richard VanEgmond Co-op Director rvanegmond@hdch.org 905.746.1437 (Mobile) 905.648.6655 (Office)
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