Cooperative education is an excellent source of temporary and potentially permanent personnel who can be evaluated before hiring. Essentially, the employer has an opportunity to examine a potential permanent employee without making a long-term commitment. Co-op programs provide businesses with highly motivated employees. Co-op students are enthusiastic and bring new ideas. Labor costs are lower.
Cooperative education produces better employees.
Cooperative education links employers with the educational institution. Cooperative education had its beginning at the University of Cincinnati in 1906 under the leadership of engineering professor Herman Schneider. He developed the program as a result of his own experience while earning his way through college. Professor Schneider realized that his education had become more meaningful as a result of his work, since many facets of his profession could not be learned in the classroom. After the success of the program at the University of Cincinnati became known, other universities began to adopt Cooperative Education.