Cooperative Education Employer Partnerships

Cooperative Education students may participate in the program through one of two scheduling models: Parallel or Alternating. Each model provides students with opportunities to gain meaningful work experience while progressing toward their academic goals.

The Parallel schedule allows students to work part-time while taking classes during the same academic term. This flexible model allows students to participate in co-op throughout the year and may be particularly beneficial for employers who need consistent part-time support.
Under the Parallel model, students typically work part-time while attending classes. Work and class schedules may be arranged to accommodate the student’s academic schedule and the employer’s needs.

Example:

• Morning classes → Afternoon work
• Afternoon classes → Morning work

Students may also work part-time while attending classes full-time, depending on their academic program, work responsibilities, and approved co-op plan.

Program Calendar: A standard semester is 16 weeks in length. The co-op Program does not recognize the two shorter summer terms as separate co-op terms. The co-op summer term is 12 weeks in length.

The Alternating schedule allows students to alternate between full-time academic study and full-time employment. During one term, the student attends classes full-time; during the following term, the student works full-time in a co-op position.

This model may also be structured as an alternating student pair, in which two students share the same co-op position. While one student is working full-time, the other student is attending classes. At the end of the designated period, typically one semester, the students switch roles. This arrangement allows an employer to maintain co-op coverage throughout the year while providing both students with alternating periods of full-time work and study.

Example:

An alternating student pair would follow complementary schedules, allowing one student to work while the other attends classes.

The appropriate co-op schedule depends on the student’s academic requirements, career goals, availability, and the employer’s staffing and training needs. Employers and students should work with the co-op coordinator to determine which schedule provides the best opportunity for meaningful work experience while supporting the student’s academic progress.

For questions or more information, contact the CTE Student Resource office at (850) 484-1654 or AskCTE@pensacolastate.edu.

Cooperative Education employers play an essential role in providing students with meaningful, career-related work experiences. As a co-op partner, employers work collaboratively with Pensacola State College to support student learning, professional development, and workforce preparation.

Employers are expected to:

1. Recruit and Hire Co-op Students: Work with co-op staff to interview and select qualified students for available co-op positions.
2. Complete the co-op Agreement: Review and sign the required co-op Agreement Form before the student’s work assignment begins.
3. Support Student Learning Objectives: Work with the student to establish meaningful learning objectives related to their academic program and professional development. Employers are responsible for reviewing and signing required documentation.
4. Provide a Meaningful Work Experience: Partner with Pensacola State College in preparing students for successful careers by providing appropriate training, supervision, responsibilities, and opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in the workplace.
5. Support Co-Op Program Visits: Allow the CDA/co-op Coordinator to visit the student at the work site during the co-op assignment. These visits provide an opportunity to discuss the student’s progress, learning objectives, and overall experience.
6. Evaluate Student Performance: Complete an Employer Evaluation at the conclusion of each co-op work period. Employers should review the evaluation with the student and provide constructive feedback regarding their performance and professional development.

At the beginning of each co-op assignment, the student will provide the employer with the forms that must be completed during the work period. Employers should review these documents with the student and complete their portions by the designated deadlines.

The Work Agreement Form documents essential information about the student’s co-op assignment, including:

• Employer and work-site information
• Student’s position
• Supervisor’s name and contact information
• Work schedule
• Compensation, when applicable
• Other relevant employment information

Employer Action: Review and complete the required employer sections within the first week of employment.

The Learning Objectives Contract identifies the skills and competencies the student is expected to develop during the co-op assignment.

The student is responsible for developing four learning objectives for each semester of participation. Objectives should be specific, measurable when possible, and related to the student’s academic program and career goals. The Learning Objectives Contract serves as both a guide for the student’s work experience and a basis for evaluating the student’s learning and performance.

Employer Action: Review the student’s learning objectives, provide feedback as appropriate, and sign the completed contract.

The Employer Evaluation provides an opportunity for the employer to assess the student’s performance and professional development during the co-op assignment. The evaluation includes areas such as workplace performance, professionalism, communication, dependability, initiative, and other skills relevant to the student’s position.

Employer Action: Complete the evaluation at the end of each co-op work period, review the results with the student, and return the completed evaluation according to the program’s established procedures.

Students are provided with a co-op calendar and checklist outlining required documents and submission deadlines. Employers should work with their co-op student to ensure that all required documentation is completed and submitted on time.

The Career and Technical Education office can provide employers with a copy of the co-op calendar and answer questions regarding required documentation or program procedures.

Pensacola State College appreciates the important role our employer partners play in preparing students for successful careers. By participating in Cooperative Education, employers help students transform classroom knowledge into practical skills while gaining access to motivated, emerging talent.

Your partnership helps strengthen the connection between education and the workforce and contributes to the development of the skilled professionals our community needs.

We look forward to working with you to create meaningful co-op experiences that benefit your organization, our students, and the community we serve.

For questions or more information, contact the CTE Student Resource office at (850) 484-1654 or AskCTE@pensacolastate.edu.

Cooperative Education (Co-Op) provides students with the opportunity to connect classroom learning with meaningful, real-world work experience. A well-designed co-op program benefits both students and employers by allowing students to apply their academic knowledge in a professional setting while providing organizations with motivated, skilled talent.

The following guidelines can help employers establish a successful co-op experience.

Funding and Compensation
Employers should establish a budget for co-op student wages and related employment expenses. Some organizations maintain a dedicated budget for student employment, while others incorporate co-op positions into existing departmental staffing budgets.

Supervision
Each co-op student should have a designated supervisor or workplace mentor who understands and supports the goals of Cooperative Education. The supervisor should be familiar with applicable co-op policies, procedures, and handbooks and be prepared to provide ongoing guidance, feedback, and support throughout the student’s work experience.

Learning and Training
Each co-op assignment should provide opportunities for students to develop skills and knowledge related to their academic program and career goals. Employers should work with the student and co-op coordinator to identify appropriate learning objectives and meaningful work assignments.

Developing an Individual Work Plan
An individual work plan should be established before each co-op assignment begins. The work plan should identify the student’s learning objectives, responsibilities, expected outcomes, and opportunities for professional development.
Learning objectives should be specific and connected to the student’s academic and career goals. Depending on the position, objectives may include:

• Learning organizational structure and identifying key personnel and their roles.
• Developing an understanding of job descriptions, policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Applying classroom knowledge to real-world work situations.
• Developing technical, professional, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Receiving and applying constructive feedback from supervisors and colleagues.
• Completing assignments and projects that align with the student’s educational and career goals.
• Demonstrating appropriate workplace behaviors, professionalism, and accountability.

Supporting a Successful Co-Op Experience
Employers play an important role in helping students transition from the classroom into the professional environment. To support a successful experience, employers should:

• Provide a comprehensive work-site orientation before the student begins their regular duties.
• Review workplace expectations, including schedules, timekeeping or timesheets, dress code, communication procedures, and workplace policies.
• Introduce the student to supervisors, team members, key personnel, and other individuals with whom they will regularly interact.
• Explain procedures for reporting absences, requesting time off, and responding to emergencies.
• Provide clear job responsibilities, expectations, and performance standards.
• Assign meaningful work that allows the student to apply and expand upon their academic knowledge.
• Provide appropriate training and resources to help the student successfully complete assigned tasks.
• Offer regular guidance, coaching, and constructive feedback.
• Encourage the student to ask questions and take an active role in their learning.
• Help the student remain focused, engaged, and task-oriented throughout the co-op assignment.
• Evaluate the student’s progress and provide feedback on their professional development.

A successful co-op experience should be more than simply providing a student with employment. It should be a structured learning experience that helps students develop the knowledge, skills, confidence, and professional competencies needed to succeed in their chosen careers.

By establishing clear expectations, providing meaningful work, and supporting students through mentorship and feedback, employers can create a co-op experience that benefits the student, the organization, and the institution.

For questions or more information, contact the CTE Student Resource office at (850) 484-1654 or AskCTE@pensacolastate.edu.

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