Cooperation Education (Co-op Ed)

Cooperative Education was founded at the University of Cincinnati. The plan was to bridge the gap between theory and practice, through partnerships among students, educational institutions and employers. Co-op Ed has weathered world wars, economic downturns, shifts in public policy and educational priorities and changes in industrial practices. Even as other forms of work integrated learning have come into view, cooperative education has spread throughout the United States and Canada and emerged in other countries throughout the world.

 Co-op Education at UTech

The Co-op Education at UTech is a partnership among students, employers and the University. The aim is to give our students an integrative experience that will allow them to develop work-related skills, realistic expectations, ethics, good interpersonal and communication skills. The expectation is that the quality of this experience will aid the transition from theory-based classroom learning to workplace-based practice.

 The Cooperative Education Unit

The Cooperative Education Unit is administered through Academic Affairs Division. This unit has the responsibility for the administration of the co-op scheme. Registered students have the opportunity to gain relevant work-based experience that will complement their classroom instruction. By immersion in work experience, students are better informed about their career choices, their work and industry preferences.

Under the leadership of Mrs. Carla Wilson-Redden, the Cooperative Education Coordinator, the Scheme combines a mix of cooperative education modalities that are credit- and non-credit bearing placements during selected periods of the year. Over the period 2005-2007, the University will develop and showcase a model scheme for Cooperative Education through the application of best international practices relevant to the Jamaican context. The Cooperative Education Scheme will be fully operational across all Faculties for students in their senior years.

 Benefits to Students

The Cooperative Education Scheme will give students the competitive advantage of having relevant experience, therefore making them:

• Preferred candidates for employment after graduation.
• Develop workplace competencies
• Improve clarity about their career goals
• Develop/Enhance their interpersonal skills
• Gain in maturity and work experience.

The Cooperative Education Scheme is a comprehensive programme that:

• Includes seminars and workshops in which respective stakeholders will participate
• Benefits from the critical input of an Advisory Committee comprised of key employer representatives who have specialized knowledge of the University’s course offerings.

For additional information or to offer your services and expertise, you may contact the Cooperative Education Unit at ced@utech.edu.jm.