NWTC Cooperative Education Program

    Cooperative Education, or Co-op, is a unique plan of education which integrates classroom study with planned and supervised work experience. This educational pattern allows students to acquire practical skills as well as to be exposed to the reality of the world beyond the campus, enhancing the self-awareness and direction of the individuals.

One of the great strengths of Cooperative Education is its flexibility. The basic concept of integrating work experience in an educational curriculum can be applied in many different ways. Cooperative Education blends the philosophy of the particular institution with the needs of the students to be served.

It is called "Cooperative Education" because it is dependent upon the cooperation between educational institutions and employers to form a total educational program. The interrelated experience and study components are carefully planned and supervised to produce optimum educational results. Through a balanced educational method which combines classroom theory with career-related work experience, Cooperative Education offers numerous advantages to the student, to employers, and to the institutions.

It is the goal of Cooperative Education to prepare every student for entry level employment or post-secondary training or education.