C ooperative W ork E xperience E ducation (CWEE)

1. Cooperative Work Experience Education (CWEE) Southwestern College

2. What is Cooperative Work Experience Education (CWEE)? A program that provides an opportunity for students who have declared a major to gain work experience and earn units.

3. How the Program Works • Integrates classroom study with paid or non-paid placement. • Students have a supervised work experience with non profits, public and private sectors of the community. • Allows students to go beyond classroom theory in a hands-on environment.

4. Required Hours for Program • You can earn between 2-4 units depending on the number of hours you work and whether it is paid or unpaid. PLUS ONE UNIT FOR THE CLASS

5. What are the Requirements? • You must have declared a major. • You need to have or locate a job, internship or volunteer position that directly relates to your major. • Enroll in a CWEE course within the first three weeks of the semester, or two weeks for the Summer semester. • Complete the minimum hours and class requirements to earn a grade and the units.

6. What CWEE Courses are Offered? • During the Fall and Spring, there are several CWEE courses offered for specific majors. • These include Automotive, Business, CIS, Electronics, Environmental Technology, Fire Science, Legal Studies, Nursing, Occupational and Telemedia • During the Summer there is an Occupational course offered for all students who have declared a major.

7. Benefits of Participating in CWEE • Earn units for working. • Applying classroom theory. • Earn up to 16 elective units (most transferable). • Increase your skills and experiences in your area of study, required by many industries. • Build a better resume and become more marketable.

8. Benefits of Participating in CWEE • Increase your chances of getting a job or promotion. • Provides job search skills. • Develops self confidence. • Develops work ethic and responsibility. • Increases soft skills (personality, communication, common sense, responsibility, leadership). • Confirm your major.

9. Advantages for Employers • Students are covered under college’s Workers Compensation and Liability policy during semester. • Provides employers with a mutual and beneficial partnership. • Assists with recruitment of potential future employees. • A Win/Win situation between education and industry.

10. Paperwork Required • Once you enroll in a CWEE course the instructor will provide the following paperwork: • Agreement form • Timecard • Information Card • All forms will be turned into the instructor.

11. CWEE Course Information • All CWEE classes vary depending on focus area and instructor, however many focus on: • Learning how to meet employer expectations • Keys to time management • Effective communication • Being a team player • Accepting responsibility and accountability • Developing job performance objectives • Preparing a cover letter and resume • Preparing for a successful job interview

12. CWEE OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION Dawn Taft, Student Services Specialist 619-482-6537/619-482-6554 Fax dtaft@swccd.edu Southwestern College 900 Otay Lakes Road, Office S205H (located upstairs in Student Services Center) Chula Vista, CA 91910 Summer Office Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Office closed on Fridays