Navy Reserve Co-op Program

The Canadian Naval Reserve Flag flying on a mast with a crown finial against a clear blue sky. The flag features the Canadian national flag design on the left side, with a red maple leaf centered between two red vertical bars. On the right side, there is a blue emblem consisting of an anchor, an eagle, and a naval crown, symbolizing the Canadian Naval Reserve.

Your written consent is required before your son/daughter participates in the Cooperative Education program with the Canadian Navy Reserve. The unique out-of-school component of this program necessitates a variety of modes of instruction that do not fit into the usual school routine or timetable.

Please Note: A student must have successfully completed 15 secondary school credits before he or she submits the Navy Reserve application package. A student may attend the Information Session prior to achieving 15 credits provided the student is 16 years of age or older by the 31st of July (Waterloo Region).

IMPORTANT: Under the Privacy Act, information regarding the student cannot be accessed by the parent/guardian through the Recruiting Centre until parental consent has been given.

Information will be made available to the student who must relay this information to parents/guardians.

  • This program is offered second semester in Kitchener.
  • All programs run in the evenings on Monday (1900-2200) & Wednesday from (18:00-21:00) and one weekend per month.
  • Throughout the semester, students will spend Monday evenings at the ROW Detachment (350 East Ave) and Wednesday evenings at St. Louis Main Campus conducting in person training.
  • Students will earn BMQ (Basic Military Qualification Level 1 and Level 2).
  • Students will spend some weekends away conducting Naval Training at HMCS STAR located in Hamilton Ontario.
  • The Coop will run from 23rd February – 17th June 2026, with monthly weekend training. Training continues during PA Days.
  • There will be opportunities for summer and part-time employment upon completion of the course.

IMPORTANT: Both the Army and Navy Reserve Co-op programs have a registration deadline of Oct 1, 2025. (Students must be 16 years of age by Nov 1, 2025).  Students must register directly with the Canadian Forces to start the mandatory formal application process. Here is the link https://forces.ca/en/apply-now/

  • 15 High School Credits completed, recorded and submitted to recruiting staff NLT Oct 1st 2025
  • Once the student receives confirmation of acceptance from the Navy, they must then visit their guidance counselor to register at St. Louis through their Credits@Work program.
  • Step by Step Instructions (CLICK HERE)

Program Information

  • Transportation (Monday & Wednesday evening) to and from the in-person training sessions, is the responsibility of the student. 
  • Transportation to other locations for training including HMCS STAR in Hamilton will be provided.
  • Monday Evening: ROW Detachment, 350 East Ave, Kitchener
  • Wednesday Evening: St Louis Main Campus, 80 Young St. Kitchener
  • Weekends: HMCS STAR, 650 Catharine St N, Hamilton

Weekends and select evenings as required.

  • Attendance at all classes is mandatory including designated weekends. When students are ill, they must inform the Navy Reserve Co-op facilitator.
  • If students miss a class due to a previously scheduled appointment, permission from the supervisor/instructor must be obtained prior to the appointment. 
  • There may be no opportunity to make up missed training. 
  •  Missing more than two sessions for any reason may result in removal from the Canadian Navy Reserve Co-op Program.
  • Students will be expected to train select weekends in addition to the regular Co-op hours of 18:00-21:00 on Mondays and Wednesday evenings.
  • During these times, students will be solely under the direction and supervision of the Canadian Navy Reserve.
  • It is encouraged that students will commit to continue with their military career through summer training following the Co-op program.
  • NOTE:
    • There are no mandatory deployment requirements for reservists.
    • Reservists under 18 years of age are not eligible to volunteer for deployment
  • Uniforms will be provided.
  • It is not acceptable to wear any part of the uniform in civilian life.
  • The uniform must not be worn in the school and will result in disciplinary action.
  • Students will be required to purchase a boot polishing kit the cost of which will not exceed $20.00. 
  • Students will be required to participate in physical education and will need to supply suitable running shoes and athletic attire.
  • Students will be sworn in prior to the start of their course.
  • Guests are encouraged.

Smoking, drinking of alcoholic beverages, and consumption of narcotics will not be permitted.

  • All sailors are subject to the National national defen Act which encompasses the Code of Service Discipline.  
  • Each student will be taught the main regulations that apply to him/her.  Physical punishments will NOT be used or tolerated. 
  • Each student will be given continuous feedback from the instructors. 
  • If there is a problem with a student, the guidelines set out in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) will be used (i.e., Counselling, Initial Warning, Formal Warning, Progress Review Board, Cease Training).
  • The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are committed to providing a respectful workplace by promoting prevention and prompt resolution of harassment.
  • All CF members have the right to be treated fairly, respectfully and with dignity in a workplace free of harassment, and they have the responsibility to treat others in the same manner.
  • Harassment in any form constitutes unacceptable conduct and will not be tolerated.
  • No CF member shall subject any person in the workplace to harassment. Any member who subjects another person to harassment is liable to disciplinary and administrative action.
  • Physical Fitness Testing requirements have been updated to reflect common physical demands of modern CAF occupations.  
  • IMPORTANT:  Students MUST pass the FORCE Physical Fitness Test to be eligible for this co-op.  Students are encouraged to maintain a regular physical fitness regimen.  (See Minimum Standards and Protocols for more information about this test.)
Test Item Minimum Standard
Sandbag Lift 30 repetitions in 3 minutes 30 seconds or less
Intermittent Loaded Shuttles 5 minutes 21 seconds or less
20 metre Rushes 51 seconds or less
Sandbag Drag Complete 20 m drag without stopping. There is no time standard for this test item.

Canadian Navy Reserve Evaluation – Performance Checks

  • Performance evaluation checks are based on performance objectives (PO) which consist of: written tests; daily tests; a final written test on each PO.
  • All practical aspects of the course will be tested in a physical manner. 
  • Physical demonstrations of the physical performance objectives will be required.
  • Each student will be evaluated by the military using the Student Weekly Assessment and Counselling form.  This evaluation is for Canadian Navy Reserve use only.  
  • Teachers, in co-operation with the supervisor, will complete regular monitoring assessments.  They will co-ordinate these assessments with the course officer.
  • Each student will receive a weekly file with a narrative summary of all tests.
  • Any counselling given will also be recorded. 
  • The teachers may meet with the Naval Reserve Co-op Facilitator once every three to four weeks.
  • At the end of the course, the students will also receive a course report summarizing how they performed throughout the program.

It is the student’s responsibility to complete the logs as required by the school.

Tradesheets

Contact Information

 

PO2 / M2 Ryan O’Neill

Recruiter Waterloo Region / HMCS STAR / Royal Canadian Navy / Canadian Armed Forces / Government of Canada

jobs_waterlooregion@forces.gc.ca

MS / Matc Aaron Bowers

CO-OP Administrator / HMSC STAR / Royal Canadian Navy / Canadian Armed Forces / Government of Canada

Aaron.Bowers@forces.gc.ca

MS / Matc Ilsa Chaytor

Recruiter Waterloo Region / HMCS STAR / Royal Canadian Navy / Canadian Armed Forces / Government of Canada

jobs_waterlooregion@forces.gc.ca