One of the most unique aspects of Franklin County Technical School is its Cooperative Education program, which provides students with paid on-the-job training to enhance and compliment what they’re learning in their vocational programs.
Close to 100 local businesses employ co-op students, including everything from healthcare facilities, hair salons, landscapers, electricians, manufacturing companies, carpenters, auto body shops and many more.
“We provide real world experience at the school, but it’s not the same as being on the job,” said Mark Amstein, Cooperative Education Coordinator. “Co-op allows students to showcase the skills that they have. It’s an extension of their education in real world situations.”
Students are eligible to join co-op in the second half of their junior year and the program is open for the full school year for seniors.
Over the years, several students in the co-op program have been offered fulltime jobs at their places of employment upon graduation. Employers want to hang onto hard working, dedicated employees who have some experience.
“It’s a great way for an employer to hold a year-long job interview,” Amstein said.
A number of businesses have employed Cooperative Education students for years. Some, like North Amherst Motors, have hired several FCTS students following graduation.
North Amherst Motors, owned by Andrew and Jocelyn Potter, has been involved with the Cooperative Education Program for several years. Potter’s lead painter was a co-op student at FCTS 25 years ago. North Amherst Motors employs seven former tech school students, as well as two current students in the co-op program.
“One of the great things about the tech school is the training in the shops is hands-on,” Potter said. “Co-op offers us a way to introduce the next generation to our industry, and a way to support our team. It reinforces what we do as a team in a way that’s worthwhile by mentoring the students.”
Aiyana Drouin, 23, is production manager at North Amherst Motors and a 2020 Franklin County Tech Collision Repair and Refinishing graduate. She started her career as a co-op student and was hired fulltime when she graduated. Drouin has worked her way up in the business, starting in detail work, and including painting preparation and parts department.
“I got a fulltime career out of being in the co-op program right after graduation,” she said. “For the last two years, I’ve been expanding that career. Right now, I’m going to classes at STCC (Springfield Technical Community College) to get my appraiser’s license. Being in co-op did a lot for me.”
Drouin’s advice for students thinking about getting into the co-op program is to do it as soon as they can in junior year and be actively involved and curious once they’re there.
“I encourage co-op students to not be afraid to speak up and ask questions” she said.
Grace Stewart, an FCTS senior in the Collision Repair program and co-op student working at North Amherst Motors, said she jumped at the chance to get into the co-op program when she was a junior. She said her shop teachers, Jeffrey Tarr and Jonathan Talbot, were very supportive and helped her find the right job.
“I wanted to go out and work in a real shop,” Stewart said. “What I’m learning here is so much different than what I learned at school. They taught me a lot in the school and I’ve learned more here. Everybody here has taught me a lot. Co-op has put me in a place further into my career at a younger age. I love it here.”
Stewart, who is a dual enrollment student with Greenfield Community College has had a number of jobs at North Amherst Motors, including disassembly, reassembly, detailing, parts and now front office.
Charlotte Freeman, 20, is also a fulltime North Amherst Motors employee who worked there as a co-op student. She said co-op was a great way to launch her career.
“Co-op gave me the opportunity to enter the workforce at such a young age,” Freeman said. “Without it, I feel it would have been harder to start my career. There are so many ways you can go in this field and co-op opened the door to so many opportunities.”
Potter pointed out that collision repair is not a career that has traditionally attracted women, but he is seeing that change. He has employed several female FCTS co-op students over the years.
“Women are given the same opportunities as men,” Potter said. “Fifty percent of the workforce are women. Why wouldn’t 50 percent of our workforce be women?”
Potter said FCTS works to make sure the co-op student and the business fit together comfortably.
“The work ethic and the attitude of the students is always excellent,” he said. “Having a positive attitude and being somebody who is ready to listen and work hard is important.”
Amstein said the relationship the shop instructors have with their students and the business owners are what make the program a success.
“The relationship the shop instructors have with their students and the employer is really what makes this program a success,” Amstein said. “The shop instructors know the kids really well and they know if they’re ready for co-op and where they fit. We really want to set them up for success.”
Co-op students often not only thrive on the job, but in the classroom as well.
“The kids in co-op are doing something they really want to do,” Amstein said. “Their academics also often improve. They gain confidence and feel good about what they’re doing and things really take off.”