Read Further for Answers to Frequently Asked Co-Op Questions:
Are the students hired into paid positions or unpaid positions?
Our Co-Op program is a paid work-based learning program. Wages are negotiated between the employer and student/employee at the time of hiring. Students are paid competitive entry-level wages.
How does the selection/hiring process work?
Students should follow your company's policies for your selection/hiring process. We do encourage our employers to request resumes and conduct interviews to expose students to a true hiring process.
What hours are students eligible to work?
In some situations, the student employee works full-time for a two-week period and attends school full-time for two weeks alternately, while others require half-day school/half-day work scheduling. Additionally, certain situations require employment scheduled after school hours and on weekends. These details are worked out to the satisfaction of the student and employer without jeopardizing the student's scholastic standing. Employers can visit
here to view State of Delaware work restrictions for minors.
After a student is hired, what is required of the employer?
The student's supervisor should complete an evaluation form (provided by the student) every 8 weeks. Additionally, the Co-Op Coordinator and/or CTE instructor should be permitted to occasionally visit the worksite to conduct an in-person check-up on the student/employee. Lastly, we expect that our employers maintain open communication with the Co-Op Coordinator and/or CTE instructor regarding any changes/concerns in student progress.
What job tasks can a Co-Op student perform?
Students can conduct the same tasks as an entry-level worker and/or first year apprentice. Although students do enter the workforce with technical training and knowledge in their career and industry, they do require further training on-the-job and oversight for safety and technical proficiency.
Are there restrictions on workers under the age of 18 through Child Labor Laws?
Although the State of Delaware does limit the tasks/occupations of minors under the age of 18 in certain industries, they have included an exemption for
"students enrolled in a work-study, student-learner or similar program where the employment is an integral part of the course of study...". Please visit
here to review the State's Child Labor Law and give special attention to the 'NOTE' at the bottom of pages 5 and 7.
How is a layoff, termination or resignation handled?
Although we do strive for long-term placements, we do understand that unexpected circumstances may arise. There may be instances that a student needs to be 'laid off', or, in worst cases, possibly even terminated or resigned. In any situation, the Co-Op Coordinator will respect the employer's workforce needs. We ask that, when unsatisfactory performance is leading to these outcomes, the employer and Co-Op Coordinator work together to train the student through these scenarios before it progresses to a termination or resignation. If a student does lose employment, the school can adjust the student's schedule accordingly. The employer is not 'locked into' an employment agreement.
What is the length of the employment period?
Our goal is to provide long-term employment opportunities for our students. In most cases, students are hired during their junior or senior year and the employment opportunity continues until they graduate from high school (late May). Many employers find great value in the student they have hired and extend an employment offer beyond graduation and our Co-Op program.
(CTE) student a paid cooperative training work opportunity, which is a capstone experience in his or her senior year. This program allows seniors to work in paid entry-level positions in a related business or industry while completing their high school graduation requirements.
