Cooperative Work Experience
Cooperative Work Experience
McKenzie Hall, Room 210
541-917-4787
Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) gives you the opportunity to explore your interest in and suitability for different jobs. You are often exposed to work methods not taught in the classroom while having access to equipment not normally available in college courses.
Steps to Begin Your CWE
Starting your CWE is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in your field. Follow these steps to complete your registration and begin your CWE journey:
Step 1: Review and Complete the CWE Agreement Form
Download the CWE Agreement Form and fill it out completely.
Step 2: Indicate Your Credits
Specify the number of credits you wish to register for on the form (one credit is equal to 30 working hours; maximum of 12 credits from summer term through spring term).
Step 3: Obtain Required Signatures
Both you and your CWE supervisor must sign the form.
Step 4: Collaborate on Learning Outcomes
Work with your CWE supervisor to complete the Learning Outcomes Sheet, detailing your goals and expected achievements during the experience. Note: there are different forms for Communication, HDFS, and Heavy Equipment/Diesel.
Step 5: Submit Completed Forms
Email us the CWE Agreement Form and Learning Outcomes Sheet (see our contact box at the top of the page). We will submit your completed form to your CWE faculty for their approval and signature. Once we receive it back, we will register you for the CWE course.
Step 6: Registration Confirmation
We will send a confirmation email with your registration details and additional course information.
Available CWE Opportunities
Regular CWE
These are internship and job experience opportunities available throughout our community but are not affiliated with LBCC.
You can also create your own internship by working directly with an employer. Contact us (see above) for recommendations and how to get started.
Sponsored CWE
These are paid, part-time jobs are open to degree-seeking students who are enrolled for six or more credits. Some benefits are available, and a background check and drug screen will be required.
Other Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
You may earn up to 12 credits during an academic year. However, no more than 24 credits of CWE can be applied toward an AAS degree or 12 credit hours for a one-year certificate. CWE credit is variable and ranges from one to 12 credits.
The amount of credit you earn is based on the hours you work and your curriculum. The normal guideline is that 30 hours of work equals one credit. For example, 15 hours of work per week in a ten-week term equals five credits of CWE.
In addition, students in certain programs must register for a one-credit CWE seminar.
We will assist you in locating a work-based learning site at which you can accomplish your CWE outcomes. However, we do not get you the position. You should expect to go through an interview and selection process. You may be required to have a resume, take a drug test, or provide medical information. Until you are actually selected for a position, you may not register for CWE.
If you're interested in incorporating CWE into your college program, you should discuss it with us and your advisor to plan the best term for registration. You should start planning your CWE the term before you begin working to allow plenty of time to identify a training site.
A CWE class is listed in the class schedule like any other class. A CRN and course number are assigned each quarter to each CWE course (e.g. 31070, BA 280A, CWE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT). CWE courses range from one to 12 credits.
CWE is open entry. You may register for CWE until the 7th week of the term as long as the time you plan to spend on the job is enough to earn the credits you're signing up for. It takes 30 hours on the job for one credit. It may be best to register for your regular classes first, then add CWE credits later. Most CWE positions are scheduled around your prior classroom commitments.
Most CWE courses are available with a grade of A-F or P/NP option. Grades are determined by your employer, us, and you. The employer and us determine your attainment of the learning outcomes. You will turn in a written self-evaluation on how well you think you reached your outcomes. You will also give yourself a recommended grade. Your outcomes write-up and suggested grade are due the Friday before finals week.
If you do not complete the CWE paperwork, you will receive a non-passing grade (NP) for your CWE. You have the following term to complete any course deficiencies.
Yes. CWE and seminar courses are approved college-level courses. Therefore, students participating in CWE pay for the credits earned.
Most likely. CWE can be taken for vocational technical credits or college transfer credits. All four-year public colleges and universities in Oregon accept work experience credits as free electives if they carry an appropriate alphanumeric course number. Check with us or your advisor for more details. Many private educational institutions will also accept CWE credits.
Approval of CWE for veteran benefits is the same as any other courses in your approved curriculum. If CWE is required or optional in your major, then it will be approved. However, certain exceptions may exist. Veterans should inform us about their VA benefit status and then check with the LBCC Veteran's Office if questions arise.
Disney College Program
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that can significantly contribute to your development. This experience may also confirm your career choice and provide college credit.
Students who are selected have the option to participate in the program at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, for either five or seven months in the fall or spring. As an intern, you are working, attending classes, and enjoying many recreational and social activities.
Access Disney College Program Information
Student Forms
To use the fillable forms, please download and save them to your computer before filling each form out.
Employers: Submit a CWE Opportunity