The unique benefit of vocational-technical education from Blue Hills Technical School is that students receive two educations in one. They are able to focus on academics but also receive hands on training in one of our 14 technical programs. Many students choose Blue Hills Technical School to get a head start on their careers. Blue Hills offers not only career-related training in the shops/labs, but also real-world experience outside the classroom. Students who participate in the Cooperative Education Program have the opportunity to gain real world experience in place of attending school during the vocational week. It is not at all unusual for a student to be on Co-op during in his/her junior or senior year, work part-time (summers, etc.) for the same company, and then become an experienced employee for the company after high school or college graduation.

Here are just some of the benefits:

• Provides an opportunity to apply your technical training in a real world setting, while testing your career choice.
• Students will gain additional skills that can only be developed while being in on-the-job training.
• Enables students to gain awareness of work and build confidence and maturity. You will develop a strong work ethic and pride in your workmanship.
• Assists in the development of on-the-job experiences increasing your college and employment possibilities after graduation.
• Establishes a network of colleagues within your trade, which will lead to potential job opportunities, references, and letters of recommendation.

Student Contract/Requirements
Students must meet the following requirements in order to qualify for the cooperative education program.

• Seniors – eligibility will be determined by a grade average of “C” or better in each subject for the previous quarter. When applying for the first quarter, a “C” average in each subject for the fourth quarter of the junior year is required.
• Juniors – may apply for the cooperative education program during the last quarter of their junior year. Eligibility will be determined by a grade average of a “C” or better in each subject for Terms 1, 2, and 3.
• Eligible candidates must maintain a grade of “C” or better in shop for each term, in all related technology classes and all academic classes for each term.
• Students must have minimal tardies and absences from school and have a good school disciplinary record for each term.* (Please refer to the Student Handbook for specific details.)
• The student must receive the written approval of the cluster chair or lead teacher.
• The student must visit Ms. Martin in Admissions and complete the necessary paperwork.
• The student must receive the approval of his/her related technology instruction and all academic instructors.
• The student must receive the approval of his/her related technology instruction and all academic instructors.
• The student must receive the necessary approval of the administration staff.