Cooperative Education (Co-op) is a method of training which students combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training in a career area of their choice. It is a unique plan of education designed to integrate classroom study with planned, supervised, practical work experience. “Learning by doing” is the key to Cooperative Education. The program helps students relate schoolwork to actual “real world” employment.
Types of Cooperative Education
Capstone Co-Op: This program serves Career & Technical Center students by providing supervised on-the-job training at selected work sites throughout the area. With the instructor’s recommendation, students may be placed in jobs to extend the training they have received at the Career & Technical Center. The job must be related to their current career training and in addition to employment students attend weekly Co-op related instruction at the Career & Technical Center.
Diversified Occupations (DO): This program is for seniors interested in on-the-job training in areas that are unavailable for study at Crawford Tech. If a given training area is not represented, or if the program is over-enrolled at the Tech, seniors may work with their sending school guidance counselor and the Tech Co-Op Coordinator to arrange an on-the-job training experience in a local workplace.
Program Requirements
Qualified seniors attend their home school for half of the day to complete academic requirements for graduation and spend the other half of the day on the job. Employers supervise and train the student and periodically evaluate the student’s performance. Credit toward graduation is granted for this supervised work experience and grades are assigned based on the employer’s evaluation and the student’s performance in regularly scheduled Co-op classes at the Career & Technical Center. The job site is considered an extension of the school. Students must work during hours when they would normally be in school. Students must maintain acceptable grades at their home school and provide their own transportation to the worksite. Prior to placement, a conference will be held with the student.
Career Pathways
Upon graduation, the student is equipped with the basic knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for productive employment. Many of the Co-op students continue to work for the same employers after graduation, which indicates that both the students and employers benefit from the training.
A few of our local employers who have hired our students include: Acutec Precision Aerospace, Layke Tool & Manufacturing, Meadville Forging Co., E. Johnson Electric, Aella Salon & Day Spa, The Boot Box, C&J Industries, Craig Newell Welding, PennDot, and Wesbury.
Click Here for a more complete list of all of our partner employers.
Cooperative Education Documents
Training Agreement
Training Plan
What is a Training Agreement? A Training Agreement is a standard form/document used for cooperative education program purposes. It must be signed by the student, parent/guardian, employer, and teacher/coordinator. A copy is filed with the school, a copy is kept by the employer at the training site, and the parent may receive a copy. This contract designates the general expectations of the student/employee, and the responsibilities of the school, the cooperative education teacher/ coordinator, and the employer. However, it does not confer any rights, expressed or implied, to remain as an employee. Employment is at will and is not for any specific time. Employment may be terminated at will, with or without prior notice by the employer. The student/employee may resign for any reason at any time. A new training agreement must be completed each time a student/employee is hired. Supervised on-the-job training, with a training agreement and an individualized training plan signed by the student, teacher/coordinator, employer, and parent/guardian, is required for a cooperative education program student.
What is a Training Plan? The Training Plan is the document that will outline the student’s duties, skills to be learned, and the expected timeline to be completed. This training plan is completed by the cooperative education teacher/coordinator in collaboration with the employer for each student. The student will be asked to review it and to sign the training plan. The student is an employee for the company and is covered by all state and federal laws and all policies regarding hiring, firing, and termination. The student/employee’s Training Plan is to include instructional objectives and a list of on-the-job and in-school learning experience.
Are you an employer considering Cooperative Education mentorship?
Thank you for considering to be an adult employment mentor for our students entering the world of cooperative education. “Hands-on” experience is one of the best ways for our students to continue learning the trades and skills for which they’ve completed class and shop training at our school. Your dedication to providing our students with this valuable service is greatly appreciated.
View our Cooperative Education Employers Guide for more information.
