ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY TECHNOLOGY 240 - COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE

5 hours paid or 4 hours unpaid work experience per week per unit, 1-4 units

Catalog Description
Practical application of principles and procedures learned in the classroom to various phases of Environmental Technology. Work experience will be paid or volunteer positions at local environmental technology industries or governmental agencies that regulate environmental industries. Placement assistance will be provided but students are required to select and secure a placement site. Minimum of one unit of cooperative work experience is required to complete the ENVT certificate/degree. May be repeated for up to 8 units.

Prerequisite
ENVT 100

Entrance Skills
Without the following skills, competencies and/or knowledge, any student entering this course will be highly unlikely to succeed:
1) Define and apply terminology and acronyms used by professionals working in environmental and occupational careers
2) Recognize and interpret labels, signs and placards used in environmental technology industry to quantify and qualify hazardous materials and hazardous waste in the workplace
3) Demonstrate and follow safe work practices, safety standards and procedures required at industry sites

Course Objectives
Students will be able to:
1) Identify two to three specific goals to be completed during the semester which enhance their basic knowledge in environmental technology
2) Describe each goal with a completion date and method to accomplish an individual training plan
3) Practice occupational skills at a job site
4) Analyze environmental technology job requirements in industry
5) Assess future training needs for a career in environmental technology

Minimum Student Materials
Depending on the location: security clearance, personnel protective equipment and transportation

Minimum Instructional Facilities
Classroom for orientation, scheduled meetings and exit meeting

Course Content
1) Pursue a set of goals which include new or expanded responsibilities or learning opportunities beyond those experienced during previous employment
2) Goals must be approved by the instructor and work supervisor
3) Student must maintain accurate records and time sheets
4) Attend a course orientation and course exit meeting
5) Schedule two meetings with the instructor during the semester to evaluate student's goals
6) Participate in an evaluation process to be administered by the instructor and work supervisor

Method of Instruction
Field observation and on-the-job training

Method of Evaluation
A grading system will be established by the instructor and implemented uniformly. Grades will be based on demonstrated proficiency in subject matter determined by multiple measurement for evaluation, one of which must be essay exams, skills demonstration, or where appropriate, the symbol system.
1) Completion of goals to be determined by the instructor, employer/supervisor and student
2) Student journal on the cooperative work experience

Texts and References
1) Required: Each site will provide materials relevant to the work experience
2) Supplemental: None