Have questions about Cooperative Work Experience? You're in the right place. This FAQ page provides answers to the most common questions about earning college credit through CWE. Whether you're exploring an internship, using your current job for credit, or getting started with a new work experience opportunity, these resources will help you navigate the process.
Cooperative Work Education lets you take what you learn in class and use it in a real
job setting. You get hands-on practice, and you can earn college credit for the work
you do. Some positions are paid and others are volunteer, and RCC helps coordinate
the whole experience.
Cooperative Work Experience looks great on your résumé and helps you compete for better
jobs. Your worksite supervisor can give you a solid reference, and many students end
up getting hired where they trained. Some programs require CWE credits, while others
let you use them as electives. These credits also count toward the Associate of Art
Oregon Transfer (AAOT) degrees.
Yes. As long as your job meets CWE requirements, you can earn credit for the work
you’re already doing.
A worksite qualifies when:
- The work relates directly to your major.
- You’re learning new skills on the job.
- Your supervisor is willing to train you, give feedback and communicate with RCC.
Work Study and Learn & Earn positions can count as CWE sites if they meet the same requirements.
You can stay at one site for all your credits or try more than one employer if you want different experiences.
- Most programs give you one credit for every 33 hours of work.
- You can use up to six (6) credits toward the AAOT degree as electives.
- Many RCC programs require at least three credits, which is 99 hours of work.
- If you’re transferring to a school that doesn’t accept the AAOT degree, check. with their admissions office to make sure they accept CWE credits.
- Talk to your RCC advisor about your program’s requirements and pick up a Student CWE Packet. If you don’t know who your advisor is, the CWE Office can help.
- Your advisor can help you find a work site and must approve the one you choose.
- You must be registered for credit before you start counting work hours.
- Review the Work Ethic Evaluation (the green sheet in your packet) with your supervisor at the start.
- Some programs require you to take a one‑credit CWE Seminar to help you build job success skills.
- Your grade is mostly based on your supervisor’s feedback. Your advisor may also ask for your own self‑evaluation.
- Your grade is tied to the learning objectives you set. If anything changes at the workplace, check with your advisor to update them.
- To earn credit, you must complete the number of hours you registered for. Seminars are graded separately.
- RCC provides Workers’ Compensation insurance for unpaid training sites.
- You must be registered for credit for the insurance to apply.
- If you’re injured at your site, tell your supervisor and the Co‑op Office right away.