Co-operative Education Degree Program (Engineering) Employer Handbook AN INSTITUE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA

Transcription

1 Co-operative Education Degree Program (Engineering) Employer Handbook Version v1.03 AN INSTITUE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA

2 Table of Contents Purpose of the Employer Handbook... 3 What is Co-operative or Co-op?... 3 Why Co-operative Education?... 3 Benefits to Employers, Students and NCMEH... 4 Academic and Work Term Schedule... 5 Table 1.1 Work Term Schedule... 5 Areas of Specialisation... 6 Table 1.2 Programme Structure for Naval Architecture... 6 Table 1.3 Programme Structure for Ocean Engineering... 7 Table 1.4 Programme Structure for Marine and Offshore Engineering... 8 How to Hire a Co-op Student Post a Job Description Interview Candidates Make a Job Offer Student Job Development Roles and Responsibilities Employer Supervising a Student Table 1.5 Supervisor s Work Term Responsibility Table Student Co-operative Education Program Office The Co-operative Education Co-ordinator Frequently Asked Questions Appendix A Coop 2012 Flowchart All Work Terms Appendix B - Example Offer Letter Appendix C Performance Review Printed June 2012 V 1.03 CRICOS CODE 00586B

3 Purpose of the Employer Handbook To provide guidance to employers who will be supervising students participating in the Co-operative Education Degree Program (Engineering) with the National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics (NCMEH) at the Australian Maritime College (AMC). What is Co-operative Education? Co-operative education is an integrated approach to higher education, which enables motivated students to combine post-secondary studies with practical experience in their chosen field. Students alternate periods of full-time study with periods of full-time, paid, productive employment in industry. This approach to education relies upon a three-way partnership: the student, the Australian Maritime College and you, the employer. Success depends upon the Co-operative efforts of each party according to the following criteria: each work situation is developed and/or approved by AMC as a suitable learning situation; the Co-operative education student is engaged in productive work rather than merely observing; the Co-operative education student receives remuneration for the work performed; the Co-operative education student's progress on the job is monitored by AMC; and the Co-operative education student's performance on the job is supervised and evaluated by the student's employer Why Co-operative Education? Students graduating from post-secondary programs are now facing profound social, technological and economic change. Through Co-operative education, employers and educators share the responsibility of preparing students for these rapidly changing conditions. The employer s role as co-educator helps develop today s students to become productive members of society. While the goal is to develop high calibre, well-trained graduates ready to assume productive careers in a dynamic and demanding work market, all parties benefit.

4 Benefits to Employers, Students and NCMEH The Co-operative Education Degree Program (Engineering) program provides a unique opportunity in Australia for the successful integration of work and study. It is an educational program that links three major groups: students, employers and the National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics. The diversity of work term positions and the training and experience received prepare Co-op students for the workplace demands they will encounter after graduation. Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering and Marine and Offshore Engineering Co-op students gain a broad range of technical skills on work terms and in conjunction with their academic knowledge, analytical and research skills they are valuable in any workplace. For employers, the advantages of hiring a Co-op student include: access to motivated, skilled students; availability of Co-op students for 2 x three to four month and 2 x seven to eightmonth work terms year round; a cost effective way to staff peak periods or complete special projects; NCMEH staff provide ongoing support to Co-op students and employers throughout their work term. The Co-op Co-ordinator monitors students work experiences and provides a valuable liaison for industry with AMC expertise, research, curriculum and programs; and the opportunity to train and test potential employees to company needs - a cost saving human resource advantage. For Co-op students, it provides an opportunity to: gain a degree and relevant work experience at the same time; participate in different industry work terms allowing them to try out career options, gain exposure to different work environments and make contacts and make informed employment choices prior to graduation; assist to pay for schooling, as Co-op work terms are paid experiences; participate in pre-employment training, whereby valuable career planning and job search skills are taught that assist students during their Co-op experiences and after graduation; gain experience with the "job application and interview process"; and assess a number of potential employers located all over Australia and International. For AMC, it provides the opportunity to: build strong links with employers and industry; gain information on the latest developments in industry; and evaluate the performance of students on working projects;

5 Academic Disciplines The Co-operative Education Degree Program (Engineering) is offered to undergraduate students in the following three specialist areas taught in the National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics at AMC. Bachelor of Engineering (Naval Architecture) Bachelor of Engineering (Marine and Offshore Engineering) Bachelor of Engineering (Ocean Engineering) Academic and Work Term Schedule The Co-operative degree programme option will cover five calendar years, comprising eight academic terms and the four work terms. The Co-operative option will tie in with the existing undergraduate programmes with minimal disturbance, such that both Co-op and non-co-op students can take the same academic courses at the same time. Students must complete four work terms in order to complete their degree requirements. The table below indicates when students are normally available for work terms: November-February February-June July-November Year 1 Current 1 st Year Academic program Year 2 Work term 1 Present Academic Semester 2/1 Present Academic Semester 2/2 Year 3 Work term 2 Present Academic Semester 3/2 Year 4 Work term 3 Present Academic Semester 3/1 Work term 4 Year 5 Work term 4 - continued Present Academic Semester 4/1 Present Academic Semester 4/2 Table 1.1 Work Term Schedule The Common First Year All engineering students take a common program in their first year. This provides grounding they need to pursue a position within the three specialisations. Subjects taken in the first year are: Semester One Mathematics I Design and Computer Aided Drafting Statics Programming and Problem Solving for Engineers Semester Two Materials Technology Mathematics II Dynamics Electrical Fundamentals

6 Year 5 Year 4 Year 3 Year 2 Year 1 Areas of Specialisation Bachelor of Engineering (Naval Architecture Co-operative Education) Naval Architects are responsible for the design and construction of marine craft such as high-speed ferries, submarines, racing yachts, cruise liners, cargo and military ships. Below is a table showing the units taught for Naval Architecture including the work terms: Table 1.2 Programme Structure for Naval Architecture Common First Year Year 1 - Semester 1 Mathematics I Design & Computer Aided Drafting Statics Programming & Problem Solving for Engineers Year 1 - Semester 1 Materials Technology Mathematics II Dynamics Electrical Fundamentals November to February February to June July to November Work Term 1 Year 2 Semester 1 Calculus of Several Variables Hydrostatics Mechanics of Solids Ship Production Year 2 Semester 2 Fluid Mechanics Ship Design Project Engineering Degree Elective Work Term 3 Work Term 2 Year 3 Semester 2 Finite Element Analysis Ship & Underwater Vehicle Technology (Ship) Applied Ship Design Yacht & Small Craft Design (Small Craft) Degree Elective Year 3 Semester 1 Structural Analysis Resistance & Propulsion Seakeeping & Manoeuvring Work Term 4 Work Term 4 (cont) Year 4 Semester 1 Advanced Ship Structures Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics Research Project/Thesis Ocean Vehicle Design Year 4 Semester 2 Hydrodynamics Ocean Vehicle Design Project Research Project/Thesis Student Elective

7 Year 5 Year 4 Year 3 Year 2 Year 1 Bachelor of Engineering (Ocean Engineering Co-operative Education) Ocean Engineers are involved in the design and management of some of the largest, most complex and expensive structures produced by humankind. Below is a table showing the units taught for Ocean Engineering including the work terms: Table 1.3 Programme Structure for Ocean Engineering Common First Year Year 1 - Semester 1 Mathematics I Design & Computer Aided Drafting Statics Programming & Problem Solving for Engineers Year 1 - Semester 1 Materials Technology Mathematics II Dynamics Electrical Fundamentals November to February February to June July to November Work Term 1 Year 2 Semester 1 Calculus of Several Variables Hydrostatics Mechanics of Solids Offshore Science & Engineering Year 2 Semester 2 Fluid Mechanics Degree Elective Project Engineering Thermal Engineering Work Term 2 Year 3 Semester 2 Finite Element Analysis & Vibration Floating & Deepwater Structures Hydroynamics of Offshore Structures Degree Elective Work Term 3 Year 3 Semester 1 Structural Analysis Design of Offshore Systems Offshore Operations Work Term 4 Work Term 4 (cont) Year 4 Semester 1 Coastal Engineering Design of Offshore Structures Systems Design Project Research Project/Thesis Year 4 Semester 2 Subsea Engineering Systems Design Project Research Project/Thesis Student Elective

8 Year 5 Year 4 Year 3 Year 2 Year 1 Bachelor of Engineering (Marine and Offshore Engineering Co-operative Education) This degree is unique to AMC and focuses upon innovative design and deployment and commissioning of systems associated with the marine and offshore oil and gas industries. Below is a table showing the units taught for Marine and Offshore Engineering including the work terms: Table 1.4 Programme Structure for Marine and Offshore Engineering Common First Year Year 1 - Semester 1 Mathematics I Design & Computer Aided Drafting Statics Programming & Problem Solving for Engineers Year 1 - Semester 1 Materials Technology Mathematics II Dynamics Electrical Fundamentals November to February February to June July to November Work Term 1 Year 2 Semester 1 Calculus of Several Variables Hydrostatics Mechanics of Solids Ship Production Offshore Science & Engineering Year 2 Semester 2 Fluid Mechanics Degree Elective Project Engineering Thermal Engineering Work Term 3 Work Term 2 Year 3 Semester 1 Structural Analysis Resistance & Propulsion Design of Offshore Systems Offshore Operations Marine Electrical Powering Systems Year 3 Semester 2 Finite Element Analysis & Vibration Degree Elective Instrumentation & Process Control Marine Machinery Systems Marine Thermal Energy Systems Work Term 4 Work Term 4 (cont) Year 4 Semester 1 Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics Maritime Engineering Design Systems Design Project Research Project/Thesis Year 4 Semester 2 Marine Electrical Powering Systems Student Elective Systems Design Project Research Project/Thesis

9 How to Hire a Co-op Student The following steps are required to hire Co-op students. Please refer to the flowchart at Appendix A for the process. 1. Post a Job Description A clear and concise job description is the key to attracting the most qualified and motivated student. Employers will receive a request from the Co-op office for submissions of job postings for Work Term 1, 2 and 3 towards the end of August. For Work Term 4 the submission time will be the end of April. Items that could be included in a job description are: an accurate job title and the duration of the position (three to four month or seven to eight month) date the job should be closed detailed description of the job duties and responsibilities special skills required or preferred, such as knowledge of specific computer applications, completion of a particular course or previous work experience in an area the discipline(s) of study that would be appropriate for the position a description of the company, their mandate, goals and major products or services, summary of any current projects and a company web site for reference a description of the community where the student will live, what is there to do in the community? Is housing easy to find, what recreational activities are available in the vicinity? Employers should the job posting to coop.ncmeh@amc.edu.au or send it via fax to the attention of Co-operative Education Co-ordinator on + 61 (0) After a job is posted online, the students will be able to apply until the closing date which appears on the job posting. Once the job has closed, an employer will receive a package that includes cover letters, resumes, and transcripts from interested students. Student Applications - Students are to review the jobs and submit their applications to the Co-operative Education Co-ordinator. The resumes of interested students are sent to the employer via and/or courier for screening and interview selection.

10 2. Interview Candidates Once a prospective employer has had an opportunity to review the students applications, the employer should call or our office on coop.ncmeh@amc.edu.au to identify the names of the students to be interviewed, the date and start time and the interval between interviews. The Co-op staff will contact the students to set up the interviews and send a confirmed interview schedule to the employer. Interviews can be conducted via telephone, videoconference or Skype for those employers unable to conduct in-person interviews. Employers can conduct interviews here on campus and also use the opportunity to meet the Co-op staff in person. On campus, the Co-op office will arrange to pay for your parking, provide an interview room, and lunch. The Co-op staff encourages employers to complete an interview evaluation for each student. This will provide students with constructive feedback on their performance during the interview. 3. Make a Job Offer After a student has been offered a position and has accepted, a formal letter of offer from the employer should be sent to the Co-op office. The offer letter should include the following details start and end dates hours of work salary and benefits supervisor's name reporting location other specific information requirements (e.g. medical testing, confidentiality agreement, required payroll documentation, security checks) an area where the student must sign and return as acceptance To see an example of a standard offer letter, please see Appendix B.

11 Student Job Development Some Co-op students undertake to develop their own work term opportunities. Students are advised not to approach Co-op employers directly. Students should contact the Co-operative Co-ordinator to discuss developing opportunities. If employers are not directly involved with the Co-op program, the employer may negotiate directly with the student regarding work placement; however, contact should be made with the Co-operative Co-ordinator to discuss the position. Roles and Responsibilities Employer submits job descriptions, reviews resumes, and selects students for interviews extends Co-op job offer to students through the Co-op office; provides the Co-op office with an offer of employment letter which outlines salary and benefits, hours of work and start and end dates; provides a supervisor who will oversee the work and discuss expectations for the work term with the student; advises the student of all issues of confidentiality in the workplace and ensures the student signs any required non-disclosure agreements prior to commencing work; prepares the student s co-workers and other staff for the arrival of the student; provides the student with an orientation to the workplace, including an overview of the organisation (e.g., mission statement, products, etc.), physical layout, relevant personnel, safety practices, and the duties or tasks expected during the work term; participates in a site visit with a Co-op Co-ordinator or other AMC representatives; provides guidance for the student's work term report, and reviews and signs the work term report release form; completes a final evaluation of the student's performance during the work term and discusses it with the student; completes and submits the employer evaluation of Co-operative education work term form for each work term; and adheres to all employment legislation.

12 Supervising a Student Employers provide supervision, either personally or by assigning a supervisor, to ensure students receive regular feedback on their progress. It is recommended that student learning objectives and employer expectations be outlined early in the work term so both the student and the supervisor are aware of each other s goals for the work term. At about the mid-point of the work term, a Co-op Co-ordinator will contact each student and supervisor to arrange an in-person or telephone work site visit to discuss progress towards objectives and to answer any questions related to the work term or the Co-op program. The Co-op Co-ordinator is also available by phone at any point in the term to assist both employers and students in resolving any difficulties that may arise. Near the end of the term the supervisor will be asked to complete a student performance review form and return it to the Co-op office. It is recommended that the supervisor review that evaluation with the student. All Co-op students are required to submit a report at the end of each work term. The employer will sign the title page to indicate that the report has been reviewed and that the report can be released to AMC for marking. Designated members within the National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics will assess the work term report. The following table shows the flow of events that will assist supervisors to ensure that the Co-op students they hire produce to the best of their ability.

13 Table 1.5 Supervisor s Work Term Responsibility Table Time into Work Term First two weeks of the Work Term Mid-term Third Month of Work Term 4 End of the Work Term Activity Students and supervisors establish goals, learning objectives and expectations for the work term. Engineering students begin their logbooks. The mid-term evaluation of the student performance review should be completed. Engineering students should have their logbook signed by their supervisor, available for review during the work site visit. Work site visits are undertaken either in person or by phone. Students and supervisors discuss the student s topic for the work term report. Supervisors sign the topic submission form. Supervisor reviews work term report. If the report is acceptable the supervisor then signs the title page. Supervisor and students complete and sign the student performance review form. Student During their work term, students act as ambassadors for the National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics, the Co-operative Education Degree Program (Engineering) program and the Australian Maritime College, and they are therefore expected to maintain the highest standards of excellence and professional conduct. The student will: initiate an independent search for an appropriate work term position using both personal contacts and the resources of the Co-op office, and ensure that all offers of employment are directed through the Co-op office; prepare for interviews, which includes researching both the company and the job posted; honour the acceptance of a work term position by reporting to work at the commencement of the work term and fulfil the terms of employment; respect the policies, procedures, confidentiality and proprietary information of employers and will assume that job information is confidential unless told otherwise; adhere to all conditions and rules that apply to employees in the organisation. These may include: pay, allowances and benefits, normal working hours, physical examination requirements, suitable dress, etc.; advise the Co-op Co-ordinator immediately of any concerns or problems with the work term assignment or working environment; accept feedback and suggestions for improvement from the supervisor and Co-op Co-ordinator in a positive and constructive manner; write a work term report; complete and submit the student evaluation form for each work term; keep in contact with the Co-op staff as required; and continue an independent job search for upcoming work terms and complete all academic requirements.

14 Co-operative Education Program Office The Co-op office administers the Co-operative Education Program and serves as an informational, organisational and administrative resource for students, AMC staff and employers. The Co-operative Education Program Office will provide students, employers and AMC staff members with information about the Cooperative education program; register students in their work term; ensure fair and equitable treatment of students and employers through the placement process; assist employers through all aspects of the Co-op process; prepare Co-op students with appropriate skills and attitudes for their work terms; communicate deadlines to students, employers, and AMC staff; accept employer interview requests and make arrangements for interviews; receive work term reports and other required work term documentation, forward evaluation information to the Co-ordinator, records receipts and forward work term reports to AMC staff; evaluate the work term and submit the work term grades to the NCMEH Executive Officer; and ensure that all job information remains confidential. The Co-operative Education Co-ordinator The Co-op Co-ordinator is the liaison between all of the partners in the Co-op program. The Co-ordinator works closely with AMC staff, students and employers to develop suitable work term positions. The Co-op Co-ordinator develops competitive employment opportunities locally, nationally and internationally; selects students for the program, monitors progress and counsels and advises students throughout the program; discusses and helps students to develop and refine career goals; encourages students to find, select and experience a range of employers and positions consistent with career goals and disciplines; provides students with appropriate pre-employment training for career development; works with employers and students in monitoring and evaluating the students work terms; encourages students to experience a range of employing organisations during their Co-op program; advises and assists employers through all aspects of the Co-op process; conducts work site visits to assist in the evaluation of the student and employer and to identify future work placements for Co-op students; ensures fair and equitable treatment of all partners in the Co-op program; and works with all partners to evaluate the students' work terms, ensuring that all needs are being met

15 For further information: Academic & Assessment Enquiries: Industry / Placement Enquiries: Mr Mark Symes Course Coordinator Co-operative Education Australian Maritime College Locked Bag 1395 Launceston, TAS 7250 Phone: Fax: m.symes@amc.edu.au Mr David Harte Industry Liaison Officer Australian Maritime College Locked Bag 1395 Launceston, TAS 7250 Phone: Fax: d.harte@amc.edu.au

16 Frequently Asked Questions During the Co-op cycle can we re-employ a student that we have already placed during a past work term? In short yes. But the idea of the co-operative program is to expose the student to a variety of positions and experiences during their program. Should you however wish to reemploy a student we ask that you still post the position through the co-operative office for tracking purposes and we shall mark the position as filled. What if I want my co-op student to continue working after the placement period ends? Research shows that a significant number of Co-op students are obtaining graduate employment as a result of their co-op experience. Once students complete their program requirement in relation to co-op, employers can negotiate any future arrangements directly with students. Do we have to provide a position in every work term? No there is no expectation to provide a position to students every work term. Do we evaluate the student during their placement? Yes. You will be provided with an evaluation form, prior to the placement of the student. We ask that you fill out this form on completion of the student s placement and return it to the co-operative office. What are my obligations to a co-op student who is not meeting expectations? Students become your employee during the co-op placement and are therefore bound by the standard work / performance arrangements as other employees. Employers should be aware that if any difficulties arise, the Co-operative office must be contacted. What are the typical pay rates for co-op students on work term placements? Please see the Cooperative placement employer information sheet.

17 Appendix A Coop 2012 Flowchart All Work Terms

18 Appendix B - Example Offer Letter 20 th September 2010 Mr Matthew Smith Co-operative Education Degree Program (Engineering) Australian Maritime College Locked Bag 1395 LAUNCESTON TAS 7250 Dear Matthew, On behalf of XYZ Engineering Ltd., I am pleased to offer you the position of Co-op Process Engineer for a four month placement commencing 1 st November 2010 to 19 th February On your first day, Monday 1 st November, you should arrive at 8:30am and ask for your supervisor, Mr Peter Blue, in Reception, at 111 Wellington Street, Melbourne. Dress attire required is business casual. For your first day you are requested to bring your bank account details and tax file number to set up your payroll details. Other essential components of this offer include: Salary Work Hours Vacation Relocation Expenses Your responsibilities in this position will include some or all of the following: Design and construction of experimental apparatus Acquisition of data Analysis of experimental results Development of laboratory measurement techniques Detailed report writing of experiments performed As a condition of employment you will be required to sign the enclosed contract, which includes a nondisclosure agreement in which you will agree to protect proprietary information and/or knowledge, belonging to either external clients or XYZ Engineering Ltd. I request that you sign this letter and fax it to as confirmation of your acceptance no later than 4 th October If you have any questions about your work term please do not hesitate to contact Mr Peter Blue at There are tremendous opportunities in the field of Engineering with XYZ Engineering Ltd. and I believe that you will find your position to be both rewarding and challenging. Yours faithfully, Mr Martin Peters Director of Human Resources Enc: Confidentiality Agreement

19 Appendix C Performance Review PERFORMANCE REVIEW National Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics (NCMEH) Locked Bag 1395, Launceston, TAS, coop.ncmeh@amc.edu.au (To be completed by Supervisor) Student Name:. Student ID No:. Company Name:. Course:. It is important that NCMEH have an accurate description and evaluation of student progress. Therefore, we request that a supervisor conducts an interview and return this form at the end of the work period. This document is confidential and is used for administrative purposes only. Rating Chart: 5 Outstanding 4 Very Good 3 Effective 2 Marginal 1 Unacceptable Performance is, without question, superior, and all standards and objectives have been clearly exceeded. Students whose performance puts them in the outstanding category serve as examples to their peers. Initiative and leadership are clearly exhibited. Performance is clearly and undisputedly above average, with all of the standards and objectives having been met and a substantial number of the objectives having been exceeded. Performance is totally acceptable, with all the standards and objectives having been met. Represents the level of performance expected from most students. Performance is below the standards expected. Below average performance that lacks appropriate professional and personal attitudes and/or technical skills. Exhibits deficiencies that could prevent advancement unless corrected. Performance fails to meet minimum standards, and the student should be reassigned or will be counselled outside of the organization. Unacceptable Outstanding Attributes Accuracy and completeness of work. Ability to work with others. Follow instructions including adherence to rules and policies Self motivation evident in performance of duties. Adaptable to changing working conditions or duties. Punctuality in the work environment. Interest shown in field of employment Strengths Areas of Improvement Supervisor:. Title:. Department:. Length of Work Period:... Contact Details:. Date: Click here to enter a date. Information on this form has been discussed with the student: Student Signature: Student ID No: Date: Click here to enter a date.