Co-operative education, commonly referred to as “co-op,” allows qualified students the opportunity to gain on-the-job experience in their chosen professions while still in school.
The co-operative education program is available to eligible students. The “co-op” program integrates shop and related theory with practical work experience in an industrial, business, or service-type setting. Students are employed during their shop cycles, returning to Dighton Rehoboth Regional High School CTE program during their academic cycles.
Dighton Rehoboth Regional High School CTE program offers co-op placement to eligible students who are 16 and older, providing those students have completed at least two years of approved secondary vocational technical education program in the cooperative area of employment. Vocational instructors are primarily responsible for recommending students for cooperative education placement. All work experience must be well-suited to the physical, emotional, and intellectual capabilities of the students. Particular attention is given to the student’s attitude about learning and work, so as to maintain a good relationship with employers. Historically, many students who started on co-op have remained as full-time employees after graduation.
The co-op program is an important part of the school-to-work transition. For seniors, the co-op experience may begin in September. If seniors meet the vocational, academic, attendance, and behavioral requirements, they are allowed to work full-time (minimum of 20 hours per week) during their weekly shop cycle. They may continue to work throughout the school year, as long as the employer is satisfied with their work. Job site visits by Dighton Rehoboth Regional High School CTE program staff and student evaluations completed by employers are used to monitor the program.
Dighton Rehoboth Regional High School CTE program offers training in seven vocational areas, all of which participate in cooperative education. Dighton Rehoboth Regional High School CTE program draws students from a wide geographic area. As a result, the school has entered into various cooperative education agreements with employers from as far as Raynham to Fall River.
Employers who are interested in learning about cooperative education at Dighton Rehoboth Regional High School CTE program are invited to call John Herald CTE Director, Tracy Dishon Administrative Assistant @ 508-252-5030 Extension 5604
The co-operative education program …
follows the State and Federal child labor laws
provides records of co-op agreements, co-op work permits education sheets
provides written agreements between the school, the employee and students
provides safety/health standards – OSHA
provides instruction with information to ensure Chapter 74 regulations
provides standards for participation standards for participation in co-op program