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Enrollment

Cooperative Work Experience Education, also known as “cooperative work experience”, “work experience”, or an “internship”, is a program in which students may earn academic credit for what they learn in the workplace. The number of Work Experience units you may enroll in for the semester varies based on how many hours you will work over the semester and the enrollment requirements for the program. Work Experience credit is transferable and counts towards an Associate Degree.

Work Experience is a partnership between students, their employers, and the Work Experience program that recognizes the valuable skills that employers teach our students in their jobs.

Students can enroll in Work Experience whether they are in paid or unpaid/volunteer, or work study positions and regardless of whether their job is related or unrelated to their college major.

Paid Work Experience

Students who are currently working in a paid position with a licensed business qualify for paid work experience.

If you are interested in getting assistance in finding a job locally you may inquire at the Financial Aid office for Student Employment information or contact Lassen Career Network.

Volunteer Positions

Students who wish to volunteer with a licensed business, other than Lassen Community College, for Work Experience credit should start by contacting the Cooperative Work Experience Education office.

Employers who provide worksites for Work Experience student volunteers must have a memorandum of understanding (M.O.U.) on file with the Work Experience office. For more information contact the Work Experience office.

Work-Study

Students working in work study positions qualify for paid Work Experience. There are a variety of work-study programs available with varying eligibility requirements. Contact the Financial Aid office for more information.

Students who are working in a job related to their college major may enroll in:

  • Vocational Work Experience
    • If you are working in a position related to a college major that you are actively pursuing, you may enroll in a Work Experience class in your major. To qualify for Vocational Work Experience you must be currently enrolled in a course in your major, unless none is available or you have completed all other major requirements.
      • Enrollment Requirements:
      • Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 7 units, including Work Experience, to be in the Work Experience program.
      • Students enrolled in more than one class in addition to Vocational Work Experience are limited to taking a maximum of 4 units of Vocational Work Experience per semester.
      • Students enrolling in 1 class in addition to Vocational Work Experience may take a maximum of 8 units of Vocational Work Experience per semester.
      • Students may complete a maximum of 16 units in the Work Experience program and 4 enrollments in any 1 Work Experience course.
  • Occupational Work Experience
    • Occupational Work Experience (WE2) is designed for student working in an area related to their major, where such major is not offered at Lassen Community College. In other words, for students transferring to other colleges.
    • For example: If you plan to be a History major at a university and you work as a teacher’s assistant for a history teacher it would be appropriate for you to enroll in Occupational Work Experience (WE2).
      • Enrollment requirements:
      • Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 7 units, including Occupational Work Experience, to be in the Work Experience program.
      • Students enrolled in more than one class in addition to Occupational Work Experience are limited to taking a maximum of 4 units of Vocational Work Experience per semester.
      • Students enrolling in 1 class in addition to Occupational Work Experience may take a maximum of 8 units of Vocational Work Experience per semester.
      • Students may complete a maximum of 16 units in the Work Experience program and 4 enrollments in any 1 Work Experience course.

Students who are working in a job unrelated to their college major may enroll in:

  • General Work Experience
    • General Work Experience (WE1) is designed for students who are working in a position unrelated to their college major.
    • For example: If you work as a waitress and are a Child Development major.
      • Enrollment Requirements:
      • Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 7 units, including Work Experience, to be in the Work Experience program.
      • General Work Experience may only be taken for a total of 6 units. These 6 units count towards the 16 unit maximum enrollment for all Work Experience courses. Students may complete a maximum of 16 units in the Work Experience program and 4 enrollments in any 1 Work Experience course.
      • Students enrolled in more than one class in addition to Work Experience are limited to taking a maximum of 3 units of General Work Experience per semester.

Enrollment requirements for Work Experience include limitations on repeatability and minimum unit load requirements to be enrolled in Work Experience.

Tips for Employment Success

When you start a new job, pay attention to your new work environment. Don’t assume that the rules of your old job apply. How do people dress? How does your employer feel about cell phones at work? Can you snack while working? What are the employers expectations regarding; calling in sick, taking breaks, listening to music, employee parking, smoking, changing your work schedule, socializing at work, reporting on the job injuries? Finding out about such things up front can save you from getting reprimanded later.

Be prepared to start working at your scheduled start time.– This means arriving to work ahead of time to get yourself settled so you’re not just walking in the door when you’re suppose to start working.

Identify individuals that you work with who demonstrate good work habits and skills, nurture these relationships.

If you don’t understand directions you’ve been given, ask questions.

Present a professional positive attitude. The workplace is not the place to vent about personal problems.

If you are changing jobs, it’s important to give your employer two weeks advance notice that you’ll be leaving. Past employers are future references! DON’T BURN YOUR BRIDGES!

Contact us for more information:

Cooperative Work Experience
P.O. Box 3000
Susanville, CA 96130
(530) 251-8856
Email: gardiner@lassencollge.edu

On campus we’re located in Humanities Building, room 110