Welcome to Mrs. Anderson's Co-Op Site.  This is the place where you can learn more about the Co-Op World; the course of study, the guidelines and criteria, the roles and responsibilities of the parities involved (student, parent/guardian, administration, coordinator, technical teachers, academic teachers, guidance counselors, employers and the community.

 

Cooperative Education (Co-Op) as used in this site refers to the components of Chapter 74-approved vocational technical education programs that meet the definitiion of  Cooperative Education contained in M.G.L.c.74 Section 1.

 

WORCESTER TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

1 SKYLINE DRIVE

WORCESTER, MA 01605

 

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM

DOLORES “DEE” ANDERSON, CO-OP COORDINATOR

andersond@tech.us

(508) 799-1981

 

WHAT IS CO-OP?

 

The Co-Op program at Worcester Technical High School allows qualified students the opportunity to work during their technical training week within the area of their chosen field of study.  Every other week the students alternate between their academic schedule and technical schedule. Cooperating employers hire students as regular employees at pay scales comparable to those of other entry level employees performing similar tasks. During Co-Op students have the opportunity to practice their technical proficiencies, further explore career paths within the discipline and gain actual work experience.  The work period parallels their technical training school week and reflects the school hours.

 

EMPLOYERS:

Would you like to hire young, energetic employees?

Would you like employees with specific technical knowledge?

Would you like employees that have been trained by technical professionals?

Would you like employees that have been trained on state of the art equipment?

Would you like employees that have been taught proper tool and equipment care and use?

Would you like employees that have been taught safety procedures?

Would you like employees that have been taught proper work ethics?

Would you like employees that have been trained in a team atmosphere?

Would you like employees that have good work habits?

Would you like a cost-efficient recruitment model of qualified employees?

Would you like employees that are aware that they must continue training to keep up with technology?

THEN A CO-OP STUDENT IS A MATCH FOR YOU AND YOUR COMPANY.

 

 ENHANCE PUBLIC RELATIONS BETWEEN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, THE SCHOOL, AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE BY PROVIDING OPPORTUNITES FOR WORCESTER TECHNCIAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS THROUGH A CO-OP PLACEMENT.

 

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

1. The employer must provide a certificate of insurance for worker’s compensation.
2. The employer must provide mentoring, valuable and progressive assignments for the student.
3. The employer must pay wages comparable to those of other employees doing similar work.
4. The employer must provide evaluations of the student learner’s progress.
5. The employer must abide by all relevant workplace procedures and OSHA safety procedures.
6. The employer must sign an agreement outlining specific training goals they will provide the Co-Op student.
7. The employer must draw upon the technical competencies of the appropriate Certificate of Occupational Proficiency (COP).
8. The employer must promote equity, technological and employability standards with the placement.

 

STUDENTS:

 

Would you like to work for an employer who is committed to Vocational/Technical Education?

Would you like to work for an employer who is willing to reinforce and complement the training you have received at Worcester Technical High School?

Would you like to work during your technical week in lieu of coming to school?

THEN CO-OP COULD BE FOR YOU.  SEE QUALIFICATIONS FOR CO-OP.

 

CRITERIA FOR CO-OP:

CO-OP is primarily for seniors but some juniors may be eligible.

1. Students must have a B average in both their technical area and related theory.
2. Students must have all passing grades.
3. Students must have passed the MCAS.
4. Students must have an exemplary attendance record.
5. Students must have an exemplary discipline record.
6. Students must have approval from their academy team.
7. Students must have parent approval.
8. Students must have a Career Plan.
9. Students must have evidence of their technical competencies.
10. Students must have evidence of their safety competencies.

 

YOU ARE NOW ELIGIBLE FOR CO-OP, CONGRATULATIONS!

First step is to schedule an appointment with Mrs. Anderson, email andersond@tech or phone (508) 799-1981. Bring a copy of your resume, cover letter, documented competencies list, OSHA or other safety test results and your Career Plan.

Once you have had your interview you will be able to link to forms needed to begin the Co-Op process.

Thank you for your patience, it is an extensive process but the end result is worth it.

 

 

 Links for Co-Op are available below: