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Student Work Placement: Vocational Co-Op
The Cooperative Work Placement Program (often shortened to, “Co-op”) at Assabet provides eligible students an opportunity for employment to enhance their skills in their chosen technical program.
To qualify for participation in the Cooperative Placement Program there are several requirements that must be met. Those who meet the requirements get extensive benefit from a different atmosphere to conduct themselves and to taste a variety of trade experiences that are often available in the student’s shop.
This program is approved by the State, and is a fantastic opportunity for students to earn money while working and learning in their chosen field.
Requirements
Grades
1. Seniors are required to retain a minimum grade of a “C” in all academic courses and must maintain a “B” average in shop.
2. In participating shops, juniors may be eligible to participate in Co-op once they have completed a minimum of five trimesters and after the mid-year of their junior year (usually early February).
3. In order to be eligible, juniors are required to carry a minimum shop grade of a "B" and a “C” average in each academic course for the second trimester progress report.
Attendance
1. Attendance is a critical part of the Cooperative program. Any student wishing to participate in Co-op must meet or exceed Assabet Valley’s attendance policy requirements.
2. Students who exceed the maximum allowance of absences due to illness or uncontrollable circumstances may apply for a waiver through the Cooperative Placement Office.
Co-Op by the Numbers
Term 1 22/23: 82 students, 59 employers, 11,000 hours worked, $203,211 earned
Page Contacts & Resources
Page Contacts & Resources
Maria Bennes , Assistant Director of Technical Programs
MBennes@assabet.org | 508-485-9430
Resources
FAQ
FAQ
How many hours do students work on Co-op?
Students are required to work a minimum of 30 hours per week, during their shop week
How do students find a Co-op Placement position?
The Cooperative Placement Programs Supervisor will work with students to help them see if they are qualified and then move them through the Co-op program. This program gives students the benefit of gaining experiences only received in a real-world setting.
Are students paid on Co-op?
Yes, the Cooperative program is paid employment. What the student earns is based on that particular shop and the skills of the student.
When participating in Co-op, does the student need to come into school?
No, the student only attends school on academic weeks; for the other alternating week the student goes to his/her Co-op placement job.
What kinds of grades qualify a student for Co-op?
If a senior is interested in the Cooperative Placement Program, he/she must have a minimum grade of a “C” in all academic courses and must maintain a “B” average in shop. If a junior is interested in Co-op, he/she is eligible after mid-year and has completed a minimum of five trimesters in their program while maintaining a "B" or better in shop and a "C" or better in all academic classes.
How do students get graded while they're out of shop on Co-op?
Students will be graded by their shop teachers who will evaluate their weekly co-op journal and with any employer feedback submitted with their weekly co-op verification.