Cooperative education is a bona fide program as established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.It combines classroom study with planned and supervised occupational experience in selected employment assignments. The students pursue their career objective while attending school half day sessions. This Program is designed to help the students understand and cope with the world of work, while providing an educational experience through on-the job training so the student “learns while he/she earns.” Cooperative Education also provides the employers in the community with responsible citizens who can be trained and skilled to meet the companies’ desires and interests. Through a close relationship with the community and the school, the program develops people for a better place to live and work. It provides a pool of potential full time employees who are trained to meet the companies’ requirements and have already proven through part time work their productivity. This results in better selection of entry level personnel.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

An employable student who wants to learn in an “on the job” environment. This student should also be in good standing in their vocational program and he or she should have a C+ or better in vocational program, be “On target” with attendance and have a positive attitude toward others. Instructor recommendation is required .

WHEN IS IT AVAILABLE?

Co-Op is available to a student in his/her senior year and who is in the second or third year of a vocational program.

WHAT ADVANTAGE WOULD IT GIVE ME?

Cooperative education lets you, the student, experience a transition from school to work as you further develop job skills and an understanding of employment opportunities and responsibilities. A student performs work related to acquired skills and continues to learn on the job in his/her chosen career. The relationship between the student, the employer, and the coordinator enables the student to improve, grow, and explore the career area, while being supported in training on both sides; his is why cooperative education is often referred to as the “bridge” between, education and business.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

A student expresses interest in the Cooperative Education Program through a potential job placement or through related present employment. After reviewing the CO-OP information packet and perspective, the student will discuss this option with his/her instructor. The student will then complete the school to work activity application and be directed by the instructor to the CO-OP Coordinator for possible placement in the program. The coordinator will discuss the potential position or present employment with the student. Attention will be given to interest and career objective of the student. Placement is not guaranteed, but assistance the in job placement will be available. A student, who qualifies for the program, will be regular paid employee. He/she will be considered “on CO-OP” when he/she completes all of the requirements and the coordinator has verified the position and the training potential with the employer. The student will be notified when they start the CO-OP program. If a student does not adhere to the training agreement conditions, he/she is subjected to termination from the program and employment.

Specifics to the program include:
• Position related to students career area.
• Payment of minimum wage or higher required.
• Workman's compensation must be carried by the business.
• Student is not eligible for unemployment insurance.
• Evaluations will be completed by the employer.
• Training plans will be arranged with all parties.
• Students must be scheduled a minimum of three hours at a time.
• Business must adhere to federal & state labor laws and safety regulations.

Other Services Offered:

Co-Op

Guidance

Learning Facilitators

Organizations

Resource Room

Security

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