Co-operative education is a program, which formally integrates a student’s academic studies with work experience in participating employer organizations. It is any Co-operative venture between an organization, a student and an academic institution. It can be in any subject or discipline area. A strategy of applied learning (learning integrated with work), which involves a structured educational program that combines productive relevant work experience with academic study and professional "reflection".

It is important because of the many benefits gained by all parties:

Employer benefits include:

• The completion of work of value that may not have otherwise been done.
• The enthusiasm of a keen student.
• A good human resource strategy for identifying and developing future employees.
• Additional assistance at busy times of the year.
• Access to personnel and facilities at tertiary education institutions.

Student benefits include:

• Gaining ‘real life’ experiences
• Understanding of the relationships between theory and practice.
• Opportunity to sample career options.
• Enhanced career prospects through relevant experience and a network of contacts.
• Growth in maturity, self-awareness and confidence.

Academic benefits include:

• Development and maintenance of close links with industry.
• Greater understanding of industry needs which assists in planning and developing curriculum.
• Ability to be involved in collaborative and relevant research of benefit to industry and academics.
• Professional development through coaching and mentoring students in industry.

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THE MISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT

The Mission of the Department of Co-operative Education is: To promote and extend the academic learning process into the work place through experiential learning aimed at enhancing learner vocational maturation and mutual benefit to employers and the University by:

• Establishing Co-operative education partnerships with learning providers aimed at providing suitable experiential learning opportunities for learners.
• Establishing mechanisms to promote Co-operative education both inside and outside the University in order to increase visibility, support and participation.