Work-Based Learning
Josh Boettner
Work Based Learning Coordinator
The Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program at Lebanon County Career and Technical Center (LCCTC) is designed to provide students with meaningful, supervised work-based learning experiences that complement their career and technical education (CTE) coursework. This program bridges classroom instruction with real-world employment, allowing students to apply technical skills in a professional setting while gaining valuable workplace experience.
The Co-op Program aligns with the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s guidelines and supports the development of career readiness competencies outlined in the PA Career Education and Work Standards. It serves as a capstone experience for students enrolled in approved CTE programs, offering them the opportunity to:
- Apply academic and technical knowledge in a real-world context
- Develop employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving
- Explore career pathways and make informed postsecondary decisions
- Build professional networks and gain references for future employment
Participation in the Cooperative Education Program is considered a privilege, not a right. Only students who demonstrate academic responsibility, professional behavior, and readiness for the workplace will be placed in the program. Continued participation is contingent upon maintaining these standards. Students who do not continue to earn this privilege may be removed from the program.
The program is structured to ensure that all placements are educational in nature, supervised by qualified personnel, and compliant with state and federal labor laws. It is a collaborative effort involving students, employers, parents/guardians, and LCCTC staff, particularly the Co-op Coordinator, who oversees the program’s implementation and ensures its alignment with educational goals.
Through cooperative education, LCCTC aims to enhance student engagement, improve career outcomes, and strengthen partnerships with local businesses and industries
