Ellington High School

The Cooperative Work Experience is a state certified school to career program that offers college credit, and on the job training. The new Connecticut Careers Certificate, issued by the state, is available to selected seniors. The program is characterized by a "hands on" approach to career exploration, offering tours, speakers, videos, service learning, job shadows and internships. This program enables interested students to obtain certification, licensing, apprenticeships or to begin courses towards an associate's degree.

C.W.E. I:

This class meets 5 days a week and affords students the opportunity to develop job search, job survival and self-management skills. Part-time employment provides the student with an off campus training site experience. Students under the age of 18 may work in hazardous occupations when enrolled in this program. The State of Connecticut certifies both the program and the coordinator.
Requirements:
1. Application - An interested student may obtain an application from the C.W.E. coordinator and an interview date is then set. The interview will then determine whether or not this program is an appropriate placement for the student.
2. Part-Time Employment - Students are encouraged to work a minimum of 15 hours per week. In some cases an internship and/or service learning can be substituted for part-time employment
3. One Full Credit of Vocational/Technical Training - This may include courses in computer science, business, tech prep or practical arts. The applicant must have maintained a "C" average in these courses.
Credits:
One full credit towards graduation for C.W.E. academic component. Half (.5) credit for work experience following state based contract guidelines.

C.W.E. II:

This class meets 5 days a week and is textbook based. Internships, job shadows, and service learning are also requirements. The student whenever possible, should be working in career path employment or must complete a career related internship. Students should be working on licensing, certification, apprenticeships and the Connecticut Careers certificate. 
Requirements:
The student must have completed C.W.E. I with a "C" grade. This student must be concurrently enrolled in a Tech Prep/Vocational courses totaling 1 credit.
Internships:
This is a non-paid 90 hour training experience at an off-campus site. The student will earn half(.5) credits toward graduation upon completion of both the project and the related paperwork.