Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School

The Cooperative program allows students an opportunity for employment to enhance their skills in their chosen technical program.
This program associates directly to your shop and works on an alternating basis.
The Cooperative program gives an extensive benefit to the student, giving them 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 an opportunity for students to earn money while working in their chosen field.

Grade Requirements:

To qualify for participation in the Cooperative Placement Program there are several requirements that must be met:

Seniors are required to retain a minimum grade of a “C” in all academic courses and must maintain a “B” average in shop.
In participating shops, juniors may be eligible to participate in Co-op during their third trimester.
In order to be eligible, juniors are required to carry a minimum shop grade of a ‘B’ for the second trimester, and also a “B” average in each academic course.

Attendance Requirements

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 by maintaining two or less absences per term.
Students who exceed the maximum allowance of absences due to illness or uncontrollable circumstances may apply for a waiver through the Cooperative Placement Office.

Employer’s Standards	Student's Standards
Employers must follow Massachusetts Child Labor laws, and also must pay at a rate similar to those in entry level positions of their working field. W2 withholding is required.	The student must be able to provide their own transportation to work.
The Employer, in conjunction with Assabet Valley High School, will evaluate the students on their productivity and performance.	The student will follow all necessary work safety procedures required by employer.
Employers agree to assist the Cooperative students in obtaining trade related skills and knowledge under close supervision by qualified personnel.	Students participating in Co-op must maintain all requirements listed, those whom fail to follow all requirements will be revoked the privilege of Co-op.
Employers must provide the school with a Certificate of Liability of their Workers Compensation Insurance Policy.	Employers of Assabet Valley’s Cooperative program take great notice in their worker’s focus and dedication, therefore when applying for the Co-op program students must maintain a professional and mature attitude towards their Cooperative position. Their attitude and actions reflect upon Assabet Valley and will affect future placements.
If for any reason the employer decides to terminate the placement, the employer must notify the school in writing.

Q&A

How many hours do students work a week in their Co-op jobs?

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 have 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 do you have to have to be qualified for the Cooperative Placement Program?

If a senior is interested in the Cooperative Placement Program they 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 they are eligible during the third trimester of the school year, and must have an average of a “B” in each academic course and shop.

How do the students get graded while working in the Cooperative Placement Program?

Students will be graded by being evaluated by both Assabet Valley and their Employer through several points of their Cooperative Placement Program experience.