Workforce Development/CoOp

Adult and Cooperative Education and Workforce Development Coordinator

Mrs. Jennifer Nix

Cooperative Education Coordinator

Greene County Career and Technology Center

60 Zimmerman Drive

Waynesburg, PA  15370

724.627.3106 ext. 236

[email protected]

The Cooperative Education Program at GCCTC:

• Provides students with employment opportunities related to the student’s career goals
• Included in the Cooperative Education Program is a training agreement, which is a contract between the school, the learner and the worksite employer
• Also includes in the Cooperative Education Program is an individualized, written training plan correlated to academic and technical instruction
• The central goal of the Cooperative Education Program is to connect what is learned at school with work experience
• The Cooperative Education Program ensures a successful transition from school into the workplace

Benefits to the students who participate in the cooperative education program:

• Students develop a positive attitude towards work
• Students earn competitive wages while they learn
• The students combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training
• The Cooperative Education Program helps to refine career goals and make career decisions
• Enhances problem-solving skills
• Through the capstone program, work-based skills modules needed in the workplace students are able to increase their self-awareness and responsibility
• Receives high school credits

Benefits to employers:

• They influence curriculum through their participation in the (OAC) Occupational Advisory Committee
• They hire students as employees
• Serve as mentors to students
• Encourage further training and education
• Involved through community service projects
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Benefits to the parent/guardian(s):

• Support children while out working
• Encourage academic success with their child(ren)
• Promote the Cooperative Education Training Program at the career center
• The role of the cooperative education coordinator:
• Teach employability skills
• Develop employment agreements and training plans
• Place and evaluate students who are working in the trades
• Monitor the work-based experience
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In addition, cooperative education students are representatives of the Greene County Career and Technology Center in their workplaces.  Because of this important responsibility, there are qualifications to ensure that only conscientious and proficient students go out on co-op.

What does a student need to be co-op eligible?

• Instructor recommendation
• Good attendance and grades
• Course requirements must be up-to-date or ahead of coursework
• Senior portfolio project must be up-to-date, neat, concise, and organized with all required content
• NOCTI pre-test score (if applicable) must be proficient or advanced
• Drug screening – will have to take and pass a drug screening
• OSHA Certification – Students are required to complete a 10-hour online safety course
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How do you apply for co-op?

If you meet the above requirements, please visit the co-op office pick up the required paperwork.  Mrs. Nix, the Co-op Coordinator will work with you to complete the process.