Cooperative Education | Capstone

The Cooperative Education (Co-Op) Capstone Program at Greater Johnstown Career & Technical Center integrates classroom instruction with real-world work experience in students’ chosen career fields. Designed to provide hands-on learning that cannot be replicated in the classroom, Capstone student-learners are placed in entry-level positions aligned with their technical programs. Under the guidance of employer-partner mentors and with a structured training plan, student-learners progress from basic tasks to more complex responsibilities, gaining practical skills and insights into their industry.

Co-Op Capstone Student-Learner Eligibility Requirements

  • Open to students who have been in their chosen career field program for a minimum of a year and a half demonstrated Advanced or Competent performance on at least 50% of their Program of Study (POS) task grid.
  • Enrollment is based on the student interest and Teacher recommendation
  • Holding a Valid PA worker’s permit (provided from their sending district)
  • Worksites must align with the PA Program of Study of their specific program
  • Hours will align with their normally scheduled times at GJCTC.
  • Students will report to GJCTC two days a week to work with instructors to hone skills that are related to their NOCTI testing and Industry Certifications in their chosen field.
  • Reliable transportation to and from work sites.
  • Student attendance requirements must be met and maintained to be eligible and hold eligibility for Co-Op.

Interested in being an Employer-Partner in GJCTC’s Co-Op Program?

Participating in the Cooperative Education Program offers employers local employers a pipeline to student learners of the trades. GJCTC Co-op students have worked in an educational setting acquiring the skills needed to fill an entry level position, and this will provide them the next step to hone their skills. These opportunities provide a cost-effective way to evaluate potential future employees that are highly motivated in their chosen field. Employers benefit from additional support during peak work periods, helping to relieve full-time staff. Companies often experience reduced recruitment and training costs, along with improved employee retention.

  • All employer-partners are encouraged to review the Work-Based Learning Employer Guide, which contains essential information for hosting a student-learner at your business.
  • Employers must submit proof of Workers’ Compensation Insurance (Certificate of Insurance – COI) to the Cooperative Education Coordinator.
  • If the Training Supervisor (mentor) will be working with a student-learner under the age of 18, they are required to obtain clearances in compliance with the Keep Kids Safe PA Law. These clearances can be obtained for free and are valid for five years. An FBI clearance (Act 114) is only required if the supervisor has not lived in Pennsylvania for the past 10 consecutive years.
  • All employer-partners are also required to comply with Pennsylvania Child Labor Laws. In addition, employer-partners must view and download a copy of the Abstract of the Child Labor Act Hours Provisions to ensure adherence to legal work hour restrictions for minors.
  • Employer-partners must also comply with the FSLA (Child Labor Bulletin 101), particularly regulations concerning Hazardous Occupations (HOs). These federal regulations restrict minors from engaging in certain high-risk jobs. However, limited exemptions exist for 16- and 17-year-old bona fide student-learners and apprentices, allowing them to perform specific tasks otherwise considered hazardous, provided that all federal criteria for the exemption are met.