Cooperative Work Experience Program


The mission of the Cooperative Work Experience Education program is to strengthen student learning by engaging students in enhanced on-the-job learning opportunities. This enables students to develop positive work habits and behaviors in alignment with generally accepted business principles, standards, and work ethics – while applying the skills and knowledge acquired in their academic coursework earning degree-applicable elective units.

This is an independent study course, which means students do not have specific set hours that they are required to come to a physical classroom to learn; however, they do have required activities they must complete by deadlines.

Students participating in the Taft College WKEX program will attend a required orientation during the first week of the course which will provide an overview of the syllabus and expectations.

This course also requires an onsite consultation with the student, supervisor, and WKEX course instructor to discuss the students’ on-the-job learning. The remainder of the course is conducted using an online Canvas classroom shell. Required course activities include but may not be limited to: Learning Station Agreement; Learning Objectives Contract; Evaluations; Timesheets; Reflection; and others.

Earn units through work hours


Students will be awarded units based on the number of paid or unpaid hours completed between the date enrolled in the Work Experience course and the date the semester ends.

Units PAID hours required UNPAID hours required
1 75 60
2 150 120
3 225 180

Student Application Process

The following four steps are required and are the responsibility of the student:

  • Read the Handbook (PDF)
  • Enroll in WKEX 1014 Using Cougar Tracks
  • Log into Canvas to access, review, and complete required documents* that are due two weeks prior to the course beginning.
  • Attend Mandatory Orientation: All orientations are virtual; dates are posted in Canvas Shell. It is mandatory you attend an orientation before your first day of class.