Cooperative Education Overview

Cooperative Education is a method of instruction that enables students to combine academic classroom instruction (school-based learning) with occupational instruction through learning on the job (work-based learning) in a career area of choice. With cooperative education, emphasis is placed on the students’ education and employability.

Cooperative Education is an instructional method that allows junior and senior students at Jeff Tech to receive their vocational training in an actual working environment. Jeff Tech co-op students receive shop related instruction at an approved training site that offers them continued instruction in a position which is compatible with their occupational goals. Students enrolled in Cooperative Education have many opportunities that are valuable to their future careers.

There are many components of a high quality Cooperative Education program. First, job placements are secured for students to perform work related to acquired skills with the opportunity to develop additional competencies and contribute to the productivity of the business. Certified teacher/coordinators provide planned, supervised instruction. Individualized, written training plans are correlated to the students’ school-based instruction and on-the-job training. Worksite training supervisors share their occupational expertise with the students as they further educate them in their field of study. Formal and informal evaluations are made to assess the students’ progress on the job, including feedback and follow-up to assist students in improving performance. Parents/guardians have an understanding of their responsibilities in the program. Assistance is provided with job placement in full-time positions or referrals for the students upon graduation.

Cooperative Education clearly offers benefits to all those involved: students, institutions, and employers. Students have the opportunity to make important business and industry contacts through interviews and placement. Cooperative Education students become more motivated with their learning as they experience first-hand the relevance of their learning and its’ significance to their work. A co-op student can become more self-confident and responsible through their work experiences. Co-op students develop employability skills and marketable job skills. Cooperative Education students are earning wages while they are learning their occupational skills. Co-op students develop clarity to their career goals as they are transitioned into the ‘world of work’ through the Cooperative Education program. At Jeff Tech, co-op students can complete one year of work experience before graduation. And most important to the student is the fact that many of the co-op students are offered permanent employment upon graduation, earning higher starting salaries.

If you have any questions please email Rose Weaver at rsweaver@jefftech.us or call 653-8265 ext # 152.