What is COE

Co-op is a part of the VDOE's work-based learning program. Work-based learning (WBL) is a school-coordinated, coherent sequence of on-the-job experiences that are related to students’ career goals and/or interests, are based on instructional preparation, and are performed in partnership with local businesses, industries, or other organizations in the community. Work-based learning enables students to apply classroom instruction in a real-world business or service-oriented work environment.

There are seven different WBL methods of instruction currently practiced in Virginia – job shadowing, mentorship, internship, service learning, clinical experience, student apprenticeship, and cooperative education. These can be grouped into three categories with three different primary goals – career exploration, pre-professional development, and career preparation. How the seven methods group into the three categories and how they compare are shown in the comparison chart (PDF).

For Students:

If you are a student and are interested in earning school credit while working please see me to learn more...All you have to do to earn COE credits is to be enrolled in a marketing class during 1 of the 2 semesters of the current school year, and have a job. If you do not have a job, I will try to help you find a job, however finding a job is your responsibility.

To earn 1 credit you need to work 396 hours, to earn 2 credits you need to work 792hrs.  This works out to working roughly 22 hours a week.

While in COE you have the option to work after school, or leave school either 11:20 or 1:30.

For Employers:

Employers; if you are interested in hiring COE students or learning more about COE and how it can benefit; you please feel free to contact me. My contact info is located at the top of the page.

COE Resources:

Cooperative Education Brochure 

Related Web Sites for Work-Based Learning

Administrative Code and Code of Virginia – Child Labor Laws (PDF)

Virginia Labor and Employment Law

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Child Labor Law

Federal Labor and Employment Law for Youth

Update of Child Labor Regulations for the 21st Century