Co-op and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs: Employer Information
Many employers aren’t fully aware of how co-op programs—ranging from high school to post-secondary—can play a vital role in their talent development and hiring strategies. This session will demystify the co-op process, with a particular focus on partnering with the Niagara Catholic District School Board (NCDSB) to engage local students and build future-ready talent.
Participants will gain insight into how co-op placements through NCDSB and beyond can strengthen local workforce development, support economic growth, and create meaningful pathways for future employment. Through real examples and practical guidance, employers will see how co-op partnerships can become an integral part of their recruitment and retention strategy.
Panelist
David Cristelli, Coordinator K-12 Experiential Learning-Technology/SHSM/COOP/
Niagara Catholic District School Board
David Cristelli has worked within secondary school education for over 20 years at the Niagara Catholic District School Board. After starting in the classroom he transitioned to the Cooperative Education program, where he fostered student learning experiences within the Saint Catharines community for 4 years. Since last year, David has worked at the school board level as Coordinator of Cooperative Education, Ontario Youth Apprenticeships, Experiential Learning, Tech Programming, and the Specialist High Skills Major program. His approach is to ‘meet employers where they are’ by engaging them in guest speaking, work shops, and work placements with engaged youth so those young people can learn by doing. The goal is to allow industry to partner with today’s youth in order to empower tomorrow’s economic development.
Zoom meeting information will be sent out the day before the meeting, day of registrants will receive the link by 11:00am.
