Michele Klock, Carbon Career & Technical Institute Cooperative Education and School Improvement coordinator, addressed the CCTI Joint Operating Committee at their April 20 meeting.

Klock first gave a report on the Career Expo held at CCTI on March 30.

“We had 20 local employers and businesses and community organizations take part,” Klock said.

Students’ schedules were adjusted so they all had the opportunity to visit the expo and meet the employers. Students had their resumes reviewed, had a chance to hear academic speakers on various topics, and could ask questions. Students learned about things like financial literacy, personal banking, making a good first impression, and how to dress professionally.

“The expo was a great success,” Klock said. “In the future we hope to have more employers participate. Not only was it worthwhile to our students, but it helped make the community aware of what CCTI has to offer.”

Klock also spoke about the school’s Coop program. Students who completed eight quarters or two years of their technical area are eligible to go work in their chosen field. Students need to have a minimum of a C average, no behavioral or attendance issues, transportation to and from the job, and the recommendation of their instructor. Employers meet certain criteria as well, including paying at least minimum wage and providing workers’ compensation insurance. Klock meets with the students and employers once a month about their jobs.

“We have 25 students actively working in the Coop program, with seven more applications in progress,” Klock said.

CCTI is also putting together a Coop program with St. Luke’s Health Network for students to work in three areas: Modified patient care, modified medical assistant, and modified lab assistant.

“St Luke created the modified positions because in those fields, there are certain tasks that require that workers be over 18 years of age,” Klock said. “St Luke’s removed those tasks from the job descriptions to allow the students to work and gain the necessary experience. They did this because of the great need for medical workers in the area.”

CCTI is also working on arranging transportation for students in need.