Co-operative Education

History

The Science (1970’s) and Engineering (1982) departments of the University were among the first areas to benefit from cooperation with industry in providing relevant on-the job experiences for its students.

Over forty years later the University has moved to embrace the concept of Co-operative Education in over thirty of its courses of study*. This move has been influenced by evidence which suggests that employers see this work readiness programme as invaluable to the UTech, Ja. brand. UTech, Ja.’s Co-op Ed programme is supported by an institutional framework.

*This number does not include courses of study having a work integrated learning component that is a requirement of a professional body and is used for certification purposes.

Role/Function

The Co-operative Education Unit, has responsibility for overseeing the operations of the Co-operative Education Schemes in the different Schools, and collaborating with them to identify and create mutually beneficial placement opportunities for students within public and private sector agencies, both locally and internationally.

The Co-operative Education Unit also serves as a quality assurance agent, with responsibility for evaluating the effectiveness of the various Co-operative Education schemes and devising strategies to keep these at the cutting edge.

Location

The Co-operative Education Unit is administered through the Office of Teaching and Learning (formerly the Office of Curriculum Development and Evaluation), Academic Affairs Division. This is located at 237 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6, Jamaica.

What is Co-operative Education?

Co-operative Education is a structured approach to integrating classroom learning with on-the-job work experiences which are related to students’ courses of study and career goals.

What is the Mission of UTech, Ja.’s Co-operative Education Programme?

UTech, Ja.’s Co-operative Education programme is designed primarily to :

provide our students with practical and professional exposure in real work settings, through internships, professional experience, practicum and other forms of work integrated learning activities.
provide industry with students who are equipped with the necessary skills and competencies that will enhance their position in a globally competitive environment.

The programme will also provide the employer with the opportunity to assist us in enhancing the quality of our graduates, thus maintaining our preferred position with our industry partners.

Benefits

For Our Students

The Co-operative Education experience:

improves marketability
improves academic motivation
facilitates a better understanding of career choices and goals
provides opportunities for professional networking
increases understanding of workplace culture
facilitates the development of lifelong learning skills
enhances interpersonal and communication skills
aids in development of workplace competencies
advances overall maturity

As a student, you will be perceived as a preferred candidate for employment when you have participated in a Co-op Ed experience.

For Our Industry Partners

Access to candidates with sought after skills that may not be available currently within the organization.
The benefit of fresh perspectives, zeal, and innovative thinking.
Affordable assistance with critical short-term projects which could result in cost-effective long term recruitment and retention.
The opportunity to partner with UTech, Ja, resulting in a ready supply of students/graduates who are trained to respond to the needs of the organisation.
Enhancement of corporate image and increased visibility across the University campus as a result of the organisation’s involvement.

For Our University

An active Co-operative Education programme is viewed favourably by students who are eager to identify suitable employment after graduation. Therefore, availability of work integrated learning opportunities is a noted factor in our students’ choice of undergraduate experience and university.
Co-operative Education provides an opportunity for employers to assist in our students’ professional development and academic learning, thus enhancing the quality of our University’s courses of study.
Interaction with the business community through the Co-operative Education programme allows our University to better align its courses (structure and content) with the current demands of the job market.

Employers

Students

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Quick Facts

How does UTech, Ja.’s Co-op Ed Programme differ from a Typical Work Experience

School Co-ordinators

School of Building and Land Management

Caribbean School of Architecture

School of Business Administration

School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Joan Duncan School of Entrepreneurship, Ethics & Leadership

School of Engineering

School of Computing and Information Technology

School of Humanities & Social Sciences

School of Technical & Vocational Education

School of Natural & Applied Sciences

Caribbean School of Sport Sciences

School of Mathematics & Statistics

Contact Us

We're here to help you

Mrs. La-Cresha Gordon-Brydson
University's Co-operative Education Co-ordinator
lgordon-brydson@utech.edu.jm
1 (876) 927-1680-8 Ext. 3546
1 (876) 832-2381
1 (876) 970-3149

Co-operative Education

History

Role/Function

Location

What is Co-operative Education?

Benefits

For Our Students

For Our Industry Partners

For Our University

Employers

Students

Newsletters

Quick Facts

School Co-ordinators

Contact Us

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Co-operative Education

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