Dauphin County
Technical School

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Work Based Learning

Cooperative Education (Co-op) is a school- to- career opportunity that enables students to combine academic instruction with Career and Technical instruction through on-the-job training. Co-op students receive school credit. Cooperative Education at Dauphin County Technical School is a CAPSTONE program, meaning students “Cap Off” what they learned in their Career and Technical Education Program of Study. Co-op employment must be related to the student’s Program of Study. Participation in the Cooperative Education Program is a privilege extended to qualified students to enhance their employability and increase their experience level in preparation for entering the workforce or post-secondary education.

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Work Based Learning includes non-paid Internships, job shadowing, apprenticeships, and service learning opportunities for students:

  • Job Shadowing – The student-learner is an observer of what goes on during a typical day in the workplace. Shadow visits can be for several hours, the entire day, or in some instances, more than one day.
  • Non-Paid Internships – The student performs duties under the close supervision with an experienced worker who serves as the intern’s mentor. The student intern receives training and performs tasks similar to those in their Career and Technical Education Program of Study.
  • Apprenticeships – Present approved apprenticeship programs include the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) pre-apprenticeship program. Apprenticeships combine industry/company designed curriculum and cooperative education placement. Students complete the coursework at Dauphin County Technical School and secure IEC employer Cooperative Education positions beginning the summer prior to their senior year. Students have the opportunity to complete Year 1 of this program prior to graduation.
  • Service Learning – The student is given the opportunity to combine academic and Career and Technical instruction with a real-world experience. Service Learning experiences are for a limited amount of time and provide no job entitlement. Currently, Dauphin County Technical School provides Service Learning opportunities for the following programs of study: Medical Assistant, Nursing Foundations, Veterinary Assistant, Collision & Refinishing Technology, and Culinary Arts. Service Learning encourages professional experiences, provides growth experiences, and encourages winning behaviors.

Please Note: All Work Based Learning opportunities require supervisors/volunteers of our students to obtain PA State Police, PA State Child Abuse, and/or Federal Criminal History Check/Child Protective Services Volunteer Affidavit.

Coordinator Contacts

Tiffany Houtz
Work Based Learning Coordinator
717-652-3170 Ext. 7118
thoutz@dcts.org

CONSTRUCTION & Manufacturing
  • Building Construction Technology
  • Carpentry
  • Electrical Construction & Maintenance
  • Engineering and Drafting Design
  • Engineering and Machining Design
  • Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning
  • Landscape & Greenhouse Construction
  • Masonry
  • Welding Technology
TRANSPORTATION
  • Automotive Technology
  • Collision Repair Technology
  • Diesel Technology
  • Small Engine Equipment Technology

Brenda Scheidler
Work Based Learning Coordinator
717-652-3170 Ext. 7441
bscheidler@dcts.org

VISUAL ARTS & Information TECHNOLOGY
  • Commercial Art
  • Computer Networking Technology
  • Web Development & Design
Health Sciences & public services
  • Cosmetology
  • Culinary Arts
  • Dental Assistant
  • Emergency & Protective Services
  • Medical Assistant
  • Nursing Foundations
  • Veterinary Assistant

Student Information

Students must meet and maintain the following eligibility requirements to participate in Cooperative Education:

  1. Students must have a seventy percent (70%) grade average or higher in all subjects to participate in the Cooperative Education Program.
  2. The Cooperative Education placement must relate to their Career and Technical Program of Study.
  3. Students must complete all required forms and report to the Cooperative Education Coordinator.
  4. Students must receive approval from the professional staff.
  5. Students must have a positive attitude toward their career objectives, school, and community.
  6. The student must have a satisfactory discipline and attendance record.
  7. Student must provide their own transportation to and from work.
  8. Any student under eighteen (18) years of age must have a transferable work permit.
  9. No student may participate in Cooperative Education without being covered under a Worker’s Compensation Policy. (A student may work with a relative as long as the relative covers the student under a Worker’s Compensation Policy.)
  10. Students must have a junior physical on file with the nurse before participating in Cooperative Education.
  11. Students must have proof of health insurance.
  12. Students will have no outstanding obligations in the business office.
  13. Students must submit a resume and Cooperative Education application.

Weekly

  • Complete Written Work Reports
  • Turn in verified signed Time Sheets
  • When paid, turn in Paystub
  • Meet with Program Instructor each week

Monthly

  • Attend mandatory Co-op Theory meetings

If sick, contact employer and Work Based Learning Coordinator.

GRADING CRITERIA: The following criterion is used to determine the student’s grade in the Cooperative Education Program:

  • Submission (on time) of weekly Work Log, Hours, Pay Stubs
  • Regular Attendance without tardiness
  • Submission (on time) Work Reports/Cooperative Education Assignments
  • Attendance at Weekly Meetings Program Instructor and the Co-Op Coordinator

Employer Evaluation, including but not limited to:

  • Personality, Quality of Work Work, Attitude, Attendance, Imitative, Quantity of Work, Housekeeping,
    Responsibility, Communication, Safety

WRITING ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS: Please follow the Collins 3 writing guidelines and submit using Weekly Work Report Google Form located in the Cooperative Education Schoology Course.

FCAs:

Writing components:

  • Use of complete sentences (5 points)
  • Use of correct spelling (5 points)
  • Use of correct punctuation (5 points)
  • Use of correct capitalization (5 points)

Content components:

  • Use of detailed description (20 points)
  • Accurate use of Program of Study terminology – (10 points)

Work Permits for Minors FAQ

Work Permit Application

Employer Information

Employers interested in hiring a student through the Capstone Cooperative Education Program must:

  • Provide clearances (see clearances tab below) for supervisor(s) if under 18 years of age
  • Provide proof of Workman’s Compensation Coverage (Certificate of Insurance)
  • Provide job description
  • Signed training plan
  • Adhere to signed training agreement
  • Provide quarterly evaluations
  • Allow site visits by Co-op coordinator (every 4-6 weeks)
  • Communicate with Co-op Coordinator (for any issues/concerns)
  • Participation in end of year Industry Partnership Banquet (optional)
  • Serve as a mentor to student
  • Training Plan completed and signed
  • Training Agreement completed and signed
  • Proof of employer’s Workman’s Compensation Insurance
  • Act 34, Act 151 and Act 114 Clearances must be provided by the employer for the student’s supervisor.
  • Employer must comply with the Child Labor Law Rules and Regulations.
  • Cooperative Education Rules and Regulations reviewed:
    • Student absent from school or having unexcused tardy results in students not being permitted to work on that day
    • Student is required to attend mandatory meetings, conferences, tests and assemblies throughout the school year. Student will keep employer up to date on all school activities. A copy of the school calendar is provided.
    • Work schedules will be submitted in advance to the Cooperative Education Coordinator.
    • Time cards and paystubs must be submitted by the student to the Cooperative Education Coordinator.
    • Weekly Work Reports must be submitted weekly by the student and employer can view these reports when requested.
    • Students assigned to ISS, OSS, or detentions will be removed from Co-op during the disciplinary action.
    • Students with a grade lower than 70% in any class will temporarily be removed from Co-op until their grade improves.
    • Students may work during school vacations.
  • Supervisors must complete a quarterly evaluation rubric.

Questions: Contact Joanne Custer or Brenda Scheidler, Work Based Learning Coordinators.

ALL EMPLOYERS MUST HAVE CLEARANCES FOR DESIGNATED ADULT SUPERVISOR OF MINOR EMPLOYEES (AGES 14-17)

Clearance instructions and links:

  • Act 34 Criminal Background Check (PATCH): Can be processed on the PA State Police website at https://epatch.pa.gov/home The background check is free to volunteers. Clearance results are usually received online. Volunteer Clearance
  • Act 151 Child Abuse Clearance: Volunteer Clearance Child abuse clearances can be processed online at compass.state.pa.us  Online applicants are required to create an account.
  • Signed Disclosure Statement of Volunteers required by Child Protective Service Law (See link above) If supervisor has lived in Pennsylvania for less than 10 years, the following clearance is required:
  • Act 114 FBI Federal Criminal History Record: In order to obtain the FBI clearance, you must first
    pre-register at uenroll.identogo.com The cost is $22.60.
    • Service Code: 1KG6NX
      (You will need to enter this code to begin your pre-registration.)
    • Select preferred fingerprint location and complete the fingerprinting collection process. You
      must present a valid photo ID and proof of registration. Acceptable forms of ID are available
      when registering online
    • Share the provided UEID code with the Cooperative Education Coordinator

PA Department of Labor and Industry

PA Department of Labor & Industry Bureau of Labor Law Compliance

US Department of Labor

Dauphin County Technical School provides a Capstone Cooperative Education Program. Students approved for this program qualify as Student Learners, qualifying for the exemptions. Here is an example:

§ 11.31. Employment of minors on outside electrical wiring.

Employment of minors under 18 years of age on outside electrical wiring is prohibited, except for apprentices, student learners, and graduates of an approved vocational, technical, or industrial education curriculum which prepared them for employment in the specific occupation.

Student learners – Minors enrolled in a course of study and training in a cooperative vocational training program under a recognized state or local educational authority or in a course of study in a substantially similar program conducted by a private school and employed under a written agreement which provides the following:

  1. That the work of the student learner in the occupations declared particularly hazardous shall be incidental to his training.
  2. That such work shall be intermittent and for short periods of time and under the direct and close supervision of a qualified and experienced person.
  3. That safety instructions shall be given by the school and correlated by the employer with on-the-job training.
  4. That a schedule of organized and progressive work processes to be performed on the job shall have been prepared. Each such written agreement shall contain the name of the student learner and shall be signed by the employer and the school coordinator or principal. Copies of each agreement shall be kept on file by both the school and the employer.

Act – The Child Labor Law (43 P. S. §§ 41-71)

Industry Partners

Testimonials

The participants in the Work Based Learning Program have been a pleasure to mentor. They have always been attentive, on time and receptive to feedback.
Patrick J. Bosworth, Deputy Executive Director - Housing Authority of the County of Dauphin
We were excited about being part of the co-op program for the first time. Every local business has the responsibility of directing the future workforce, we can make the difference we all hope to see!
Home Time Renovations
Integrating well-educated students into our workforce for real-world experience is a mutually beneficial relationship. Students coming out of DC Tech program are a benefit to Feeser’s and have contributed immediately.
Kerry Mullen, Marketing Manager
The Cooperative Education program is beneficial to help you get the jump start in your program of study through on-the-job learning, continued education in your field, and opportunities that will allow you to become the professional you want to be.
Gabby Hate – Cosmetology Class of 2019 Legion Hair Studio
We have enjoyed our relationship with Dauphin County Technical school. Joanne and her team have provided well trained students to extern in our offices, many of which have then become our employees following graduation.
Sue Paul, Vice President of Human Resources, Verber Dental Group
We believe participating in DCTS’s Co-op Program is a win-win. A student’s win is immediate, gaining on-the-job experience. An employer’s win is long lasting, gaining exposure to bright and energetic students who inspire re-structuring to custom-fit tomorrow’s leaders.
Radle Electric
DCTS has done a fantastic job promoting and supporting the Co-op program for the benefit of both the students and us as an employer. We have had students from the electrical program Co-op with our company for years and have hired some of the best and brightest to be on our team to continue their careers. These young folks have the opportunity to make sure they like the company atmosphere, and we have the ability to witness their engagement and work ethic first hand. This has been very successful for us and the students, and we are looking forward to the next class coming up to continue our growth.
Bruce Seilhammer, ECS Group Manager SECCO Electric
Faulkner Subaru loves the partnership we have with DCTS. The need for automotive technicians is very high and this program provides the opportunity to help grow these co-op students into a career path where they can succeed and become long term, happy employees. The experience gained will assist in developing confidence, responsibility, social skills, and continued motivation to learn.
Joie Bollman, Service Manager – Faulkner Subaru