Workforce Development

Cooperative Education is a method of instruction that blends school and workplace learning and is most often tied to career and technical education.  Workplace learning is defined as experiential activities that engage the student in learning and prepare young people for the world of work. At the worksite, students work directly with a supervisor or a mentor over a semester, to observe, assist, and accomplish work tasks.  Cooperative education students usually progress from observing and performing simple tasks to performing tasks requiring more responsibility and more complex skills.  Students receive academic credit for their work.   Students will be supervised and required to check in regularly, as well as complete logs with the Workforce Development Coordinator. “Co-op is more than a part-time job; it is an extension of classroom learning”

1. Opportunity to allow students to apply what they learned in the classroom to the job 
2. Enhance classroom instruction by providing practical work experience that is relevant to students’ career goals
3. Gain direct knowledge about the workplace
4. Learn more about what kinds of occupations they like and dislike
5. Opportunity for potential full-time employment after high school graduation

1. Expanding a well-prepared labor pool
2. Recruiting and training future employees
3. Meeting current labor shortages
4. Cultivating business opportunities with schools
5. Fostering a positive public image
6. Screening of trainees
7. Training programs with curricula geared to their specific employment area

1. No more than 10 absences in the previous semester at the career center. If a student is absent more than 10 days, that student will be up for review by the instructor and the cooperative education coordinator to determine if and when the student will be eligible for co-op.
2. Student must maintain a grade point average in their shop that is determined by the program instructor.
3. The program instructor must recommend student for co-op placement.
4. Student must meet academic requirements set by sending school

Co-op Application

Co-op Student Weekly Log

Co-op Student Wage and Hour Summary

Employer Resource Guide            

ACT 34 – PA CRIMINAL CLEARANCE 

ACT 151 – CHILD ABUSE CLEARANCE

ACT 114 – FBI CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK