For Teachers and Parents

The first step in any kind of Co-op experience is having the support of teachers and parents.  Instructor recommendation insures the student is mature enough to represent PAHCC well in the community and keep up with class content the student may miss. Students should ask their program instructor to complete the recommendation form on this page.

 Parent permission means that they will support the student around transportation and communication, grants permission for the school to share information about the student with the employer that may otherwise be confidential, and accepts the risks of having the student in the place of employment rather than in school.  For instance, all teachers, staff and volunteers in a school building must complete a criminal background check if they will be alone with students, but this isn't possible in most Co-op placements.  Once a student has been matched to an employer, there will be a job-specific contract to sign also.

What parents of Co-op students have to say:

"Thank you for putting it together during a very challenging year. It has made the difference in my son's life."  -Construction Tech parent, Bridport.

"For my child this program is awesome! She got a perfect match and loves every minute of her job."  -Sustainable Ag parent, Salisbury

"I think this was a wonderful program for one of my boys as he was struggling with decisions of what to do after graduation. He is a hands-on kid and the opportunity to be matched with a company that hired him while still in school and will sponsor him in his quest for electrician license was a game changer for him" -Construction Tech parent, Vergennes

"My son was able to test the waters with several places and this also helped him firm up his post high-school career choice. Fantastic program all around!" -Mechanical Science parent, Vergennes