Co-op/Work
Experience:
FAQ's
about the Cooperative Work Experience Program
Employers:
Co-op/Work
Experience is a program designed to help employees work with
their supervisor and college instructor. It covers the development
of objectives based on a training program for the employees'
work related self improvement in a structure objective base program.
If you like to set up an employee development program for your
employees, please contact us at 925 439 2181 ext 3331.
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What
is the Cooperative Work Experience Program?
The Cooperative Work Experience Program at Los Medanos College
grants college credit for what you learn and accomplish on the
job. There are basically two types of participants: CO-OP 99
or WORK 99. CO-OP 99 (Occupational Work Experience) requires
that employment relate to the student's major or current course
work. WORK 99 (General Work Experience) does not require that
it relate to the major. Both types, however, require enrollment
at LMC with a minimum of seven units including CO-OP. During
Fall/Spring, for example, a regular 3-unit LMC course, plus 4
units of CO-OP = 7 units.
What
qualifies as college-credit eligible learning?
Only
worksite learning that is new, substantive and measurable can earn
college credit. Your worksite objectives must be attainable by the
close of the semester, and involve methods that are clear and concrete.
Also, your job must be monitorable and regularly supervised. Self-employment,
irregular temp agency work, unlicensed or casual businesses, late shift
work, or remote worksite locations -- would not qualify for participation.
How
much college credit can I earn?
CO-OP
99 students may earn from one to four units a semester, to a maximum
of sixteen units. WORK 99 students may earn from one to three units
a semester, to a maximum of six units. The number of units earned is
partly determined by the number of hours a student works on the job
during the semester. One unit of credit will be earned for 75 hours
worked on a paid job.
(Note:
Volunteer (unpaid) employees earn one unit of credit for every
60 hours of work, as follows: 1 unit - 60 hours total; 2 units
- 120 hours; 3 units - 180; 4 units - 240 hours) Note: 1 unit
CO-OP enrollment available to unpaid or federal co-op employees
only.
Why
enroll in the Cooperative Work Experience Program?
The
college credits students earn for their job through CO-OP participation
gives recognition to the learning that occurs in the workplace. CO-OP
also serves to enhance the communication between the student and worksite
supervisor, helping to clarify on-the-job goals or objectives. Academic
credit earned through CO-OP can be used to satisfy elective units requirements
towards a certificate, AA Degree or CSU System transfer. (See
your counselor for further information).
How
do I begin?
Students desiring participation in the Cooperation Education program must attend an orientation and complete an application. Click the link below to sign up for a co-op orientation. Students with prior co-op participation are only required to submit an application. Orientations are held and applications are accepted till Monday, January 28, 2008.
Will
I receive a grade?
CO-OP
Work Experience students are given End-Of-Term Evaluations which serve
as the basis for their grade. WORK 99 is a credit/no-credit course,
while CO-OP 99 is taken for a letter grade.
What
if I lose or resign my position?
Participants
who stop working prior to the close of the semester of participation
should immediately contact both the LMC Employment Center and their
CO-OP instructor.
For
further information, contact the LMC Employment Center,
(925) 439-2181
X 3331
