160 likes | 175 Views
Learn about co-operative education, its benefits, and how it works. Discover the history, guidelines for paying students, and the advantages for both employers and students. Find out how to participate in the UTT Co-operative Industry Engagement Programme.
E N D
The UTT Co-operative Industry Engagement Programme Stephen Sheppard Senior Manager Student Affairs
UTT Co-operative Industry Engagement Programme • A definition • Brief history of co-operative education • Alternatives to co-operative education • Benefits of co-operative education • How co-op works • Guidelines for paying students
Co-operative Education Defined • Co-operative education is a structured educational strategy that combines theoretical instruction with practical workplace experience. • Its output is ready to work graduates.
Brief History • While at Lehigh University at the beginning of the 20th Century, Herman Schneider (1872-1939), engineer, architect, and educator, concluded that the traditional classroom was insufficient for technical students (Smollins 1999). Schneider observed that several of the more successful Lehigh graduates had worked to earn money before graduation. Gathering data through interviews of employers and graduates, he devised the framework for co-operative education (1901).
Classroom only learning • “Classroom only” training produces graduates who may know the theory but not how to apply it. • Not ready-to-work • Phenomenon of unpractical theory
Workplace only learning • Workplace only learning…..employees may know what to do but not necessarily the principles involved. • Potential limited • Phenomenon of “untheoretical practice”
Co-operative Education • The preferred UTT approach with a ready to work graduate as the output
Why Co-operative Education • "That's what I love about Co-op students," says Research in Motion Co-op employer Zoltan Racz, a technical lead. "We require people who can bring us the latest and greatest skills from schools that are giving them cutting-edge tools and knowledge. They share the workload, and bring their enthusiasm to the job."
How Co-op Benefits Employers • Businesses have access to reliable, motivated and skilled individuals. • Businesses have temporary cover or help with short and long term projects. • Businesses have the opportunity to screen students for fulltime employment. • Businesses have regular contact with University staff. • Collaborative research opportunities.
How Co-op Benefits Students • They gain practical experience in their field of study, often solving real problems in the workplace. • They see how course material is applied and is relevant under practical situations, which can help increase motivation. • They build contacts with professionals in their area which increases their chances of being offered a fulltime job. • They develop interpersonal and communication skills and a professional outlook. • They gain valuable career information to make better decisions about future employment. • They earn money!
How Co-op Benefits UTT • Constructive liaison with, and input from, a range of employers, with potentially large spin-offs for research and teaching. • Increased motivation in students to learn and to appreciate the value of education and its place in their future. • Enhanced visibility and reputation.
How does Co-op work? • At start of each semester, UTT invites companies to accept Co-op students. • UTT Placement unit advises students and makes interview arrangements. • Selected students will assume duties under agreed terms and conditions. • Students must maintain activity logbook for supervisory review and prepare a work term report at the end of the period.
How does Co-op Work • Work semesters are evaluated and included in students’ transcripts. • A company may permanently make a position available and rotate students through it.
How to pay Co-op students • On first assignment, a general pay guide is 40% of the wages for the position. Increase this by 10% and 15% for succeeding work semesters. • In $, this may start at $1500.00/mth and progress to $3000.00 by the third semester. • Treat Co-op students as temporary employees for administering fringe benefits.
When are students available • Students are available year round at the start of each semester. • You are invited to make a commitment to accept as many Co-op students as your business can comfortably absorb. • Help us to help you!
Thank You for your attention • Questions and discussion