About Program

This is a full day program, offered in partnership with The Canadian Armed Forces which operates from February to June at the Lake Street Armoury in St. Catharines. Two academic credits are earned in a combination of senior Canadian and World Studies, and Physical Education. Two Cooperative Education credits are earned based on instruction/training/employment at a Canadian Armed Forces Base in one or more military trades. Applicants must be 16 years of age as of February 1, a Canadian citizen and physically fit.

What You'll Do:

Note: It is possible for potential graduating students that require a compulsory credit for completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma to take an Independent Learning Credit/Self Study Course in lieu of the CHT3O course offered.

Working Environment

All classes and training for the fall and spring semester programs are held at the Lake Street Armoury in St. Catharines and are conducted by a secondary school teacher provided by the District School Board of Niagara and by certified Canadian Forces training instructors. A typical training day runs from 0845-1600hrs Mon-Fri however, there are (2) x 3 day overnight training exercises over the course of the semester where the students travel by Canadian Forces transport to CFB Borden and CFB Meaford to complete their Basic and Standard Military Course requirements. Upon completion of the Co-op program, summer employment is offered to those students who qualified on their Basic Training Courses. This employment is at the Land Forces Central Area Training Center in Meaford Ontario (near Owen Sound, On) and is normally for 5 weeks (with some weekends off) from July to August each summer. After the summer, those students wishing to stay on with the Army Reserve will be placed in one of the two Reserve Regiment’s subunits and be given the opportunity for further training and professional advancement.

Qualifications and Interests

Army Reserve Co-op applicants must be dependable and self-disciplined. They must also be able to react quickly and adapt readily to changing situations. Courage, physical and mental stamina and a positive attitude are essential attributes. The ability and willingness to learn new skills and techniques is also necessary, as the diverse nature of combined arms operations requires the development of many specialized skills. Leadership, team work skills and an enjoyment for working outdoors are very important.

Basic Recruit Training

Successful applicants will attend school at the Lake Street Armoury in St. Catharines for either the fall or spring semester of each year, starting in either September or February. While there, they will receive instruction in their Basic and Standard Military Qualifications as well as attend classes in 20th Century Global History (CHT30) and Healthy Active Living (PPL4O). These two Secondary School credits will be added to two Co-operative Education credits for a total of four credits for the semester. Those students selected for summer employment may qualify for two additional Co-operative education credits in addition to their salary for their summer training.