Cooperative Work Experience

Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) is a program that allows students to earn college credit for working in the community in a career area related to the student’s academic goals. Depending on the program, students can earn up to 18 credits on the job. Students work in positions which allow them to demonstrate the skills they have gained during their academic training. Prior to beginning the work experience, students create individual learning objectives in cooperation with an identified Worksite Supervisor. Student learning objectives are reviewed and approved by the student's Faculty Advisor and/or Program Supervisor. Student learning objectives are consistent with program outcomes and guide student learning during the term. Student learning is monitored by Cooperative Work Experience staff. Students participate in regular monitoring meetings. Students submit required paperwork and are evaluated by their Worksite Supervisor. Students assume greater responsibility on the job as the work experience progresses.

Prerequisite: None, however, students must have adequate academic training to be successful in an entry-level position. Registration requires the signature of the Cooperative Work Experience Program Manager.

Co-requisite: Concurrent enrollment in or completion of a Cooperative Work Experience seminar.

Students enrolling in Cooperative Work Experience will participate in a one-credit seminar to discuss and develop an understanding of appropriate and effective work practices. The seminar can be taken either before or concurrently with the cooperative work experience.

CWE will be listed with a prefix related to the student’s program of study and the course number.

EXAMPLES

Welding CWE = WLD280

Welding CWE Seminar = WLD281

Automotive CWE = AUTO280

Automotive CWE Seminar = AUTO281

Business CWE = BA280

Business CWE Seminar = BA281

Historic Preservation CWE = BLD280

Historic Preservation CWE Seminar = BLD281

To learn more, contact:
Misty Bateman
Cooperative Work Experience Program Manager
Email: mbateman@clatsopcc.edu
Phone (503) 338-2507