Cooperative Education (Co-Op)

Co-op student washing woman's hair in salon sink.

Provides students with a school-supervised, work-based learning experience that includes paid employment in a career and technical field. Through Co-Op, Technical College High School (TCHS) students gain hands-on experience at school-approved worksites during the school day while earning school credit and wages.

Students

Eligibility Requirements

Senior or Junior students who have successfully completed a set number of marking periods in CTE program related to job.

Seniors – 4 marking periods
Juniors – 6 marking periods

Recommendation from program instructor.
Maintain good grades (C average or better) and have no behavior or attendance issues.
Have reliable transportation to and from work. (driver’s license preferred)
Have a work permit from sending school if under 18
Employment must be directly related to students CTE program
Student must be covered under business Worker's Compensation Policy

How Do I Get Started?

Speak to your program instructor to verify eligibility
Complete Co-Op application
Meet with a Co-Op coordinator
Provide information for the job you will be working. (While TCHS may assist in finding placement opportunities for our students, the responsibility is on the student to find a Co-Op job in their area of study.)
Work with Co-Op coordinator to complete paperwork on JobReady platform.
You will start your Co-op after receiving official approval and a start date from the Cooperative Education Coordinator.

What Happens Once I Start Co-op?

Students must use JobReady360 and join a Co-Op Remind class
Attend TCHS on scheduled Co-Op check-in days and any date assigned by school personnel. Co-Op Schedule 26-27.docx
Attend TCHS on days you are not working.
Report absences to TCHS attendance office, Co-Op coordinator and employer.
Adhere to the rules of the TCHS Co-Op Syllabus.
Co-Op coordinator will make regular visits to the workplace in order to the progress.
Communicate any job-related issues to Co-Op coordinator.
Grading for Co-Op students is up to the program instructor. Students must meet all classroom expectations when in attendance at TCHS.

Employers

Overview

Provide challenging learning experiences that encourage career development and relate to the student's CTE classroom area.
Train the student in health and safety rules specific to the workplace.
Provide periodic evaluations that factor into the student's grade.
Meet with the Co-Op coordinator on a regular basis to discuss the student's progress
Student must be a lawfully wage-earning employee.
Student covered by businesses workers compensation insurance.
Supervisor of student must obtain criminal background & child abuse clearances if student is under 18. (details below)
Work hours must coincide with TCHS Co-Op schedule.
Complete and sign a Co-Op Training Agreement and Training Plan.

These will be sent via email from CCIU Forms

10. Notify Co-Op coordinator of any job-related issues and injuries.

Clearances

If the Training Supervisor (mentor) will be working with a student-learner under the age of 18, they are required to obtain clearances in compliance with the Keep Kids Safe PA Law. These clearances can be obtained for free and are valid for five years. An FBI clearance (Act 114) is only required if the supervisor has not lived in Pennsylvania for the past 10 consecutive years.

Clearance instructions and links:

*Do not use Safari web browser for completing clearances.

Act 34 Criminal Background Check (PATCH): Complete "New Volunteer Record Check.” Clearance results are usually received online.
Act 151 Child Abuse Clearance: Online applicants are required to create an individual account.
Disclosure Statement of Volunteers: For supervisors who have been a resident of Pennsylvania during the entirety of the previous 10-year period.
- Provide signed copy to Co-op coordinator.

OR

Act 114 FBI Federal Criminal History Record: For supervisors who have NOT been a resident of Pennsylvania during the entirety of the previous 10-year period.
- There is a fee for this clearance.
- Service Code: 1KG6NX (you will need to enter this code to begin your pre-registration).
- Select preferred fingerprint location and complete the fingerprinting collection process. You must present a valid photo ID and proof of registration.
- Share the provided UEID code with the Cooperative Education Coordinator.

Child Labor Laws

This applies to all student workers who are under 18 years of age.

Keep a copy of the minor’s work permit and notify issuing school of your intent to hire student.
Comply with Pennsylvania Child Labor Laws.
Post a copy of the Abstract of the Child Labor Act Hours Provisions to ensure adherence to legal work hour restrictions for minors.
Maintain an accurate record of minor’s work hours. Schedule of Hours
Comply with State and Federal regulations concerning Hazardous Occupations (HOs). These regulations restrict minors from engaging in certain high-risk jobs. However, exemptions exist for co-op students (student-learners), allowing them to perform jobs otherwise considered hazardous.
Business located outside of Pennsylvania will follow regulations in their state.

Coordinator Contacts

Steve Raihall

Pickering Campus
Brandywine Campus
484-593-5100 x4249
SteveR@cciu.org

Kyle Simpson

Pennock's Campus
Brandywine Campus
610-869-5116
KyleS@cciu.org

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