Manufacturing Technology Co-op

Course Description

ETI2948 – Manufacturing Technology Co-op is a supervised cooperative education experience in which students apply manufacturing and industrial systems technology skills in an actual workplace setting. The course integrates classroom-based learning with paid or unpaid professional employment in a manufacturing or industrial environment, providing students with career-relevant experience aligned with the Engineering Technologies / Industrial Systems Technology program. Students work under the joint supervision of a faculty coordinator and an employer/site supervisor, and are required to document and reflect on their work-based learning activities.

This course is structured as a field-based, variable-schedule experience. Contact hours are fulfilled through verified work hours at the co-op site, supplemented by periodic check-ins, journals, and a final reflective report submitted to the faculty coordinator.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Apply manufacturing technology knowledge and technical skills acquired in coursework to real-world industrial or production environments.
• Demonstrate professional workplace behaviors including punctuality, communication, teamwork, and adherence to company policies and safety regulations.
• Identify and follow applicable industrial safety, health, and environmental requirements at the co-op worksite.
• Produce written documentation of work activities, including a reflective journal and a final co-op report describing skills applied and lessons learned.
• Receive a satisfactory performance evaluation from the employer/site supervisor covering technical competency, work habits, and professional conduct.
• Connect academic manufacturing concepts — such as quality assurance, industrial processes, and materials — to observed and performed workplace tasks.

Optional / Enrichment Outcomes

Depending on the co-op site and student assignment, students may also:

• Operate or support the operation of automated, electro-mechanical, or CNC manufacturing systems.
• Assist with quality control inspection processes using calibrated instruments and standard measurement techniques.
• Participate in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement (Kaizen), or Six Sigma workplace initiatives.
• Apply blueprint reading, shop math, or production documentation skills in a live manufacturing context.
• Gain exposure to programmable logic controllers (PLCs), hydraulics, pneumatics, or robotic systems used in production.
• Develop a professional portfolio entry or resume item based on co-op accomplishments.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Workplace Orientation and Onboarding – Company policies, safety orientation, OSHA compliance, personal protective equipment (PPE), and worksite-specific procedures.
• Professional Conduct and Workplace Ethics – Attendance, communication with supervisors and coworkers, confidentiality, and professional responsibility in a manufacturing setting.
• Applied Manufacturing Skills – Hands-on application of skills from the Industrial Systems Technology curriculum, including operation, maintenance, or support of manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Work-Based Learning Documentation – Maintaining a log or journal of hours, tasks, and skills practiced; writing a formal co-op reflection report at course completion.
• Employer Performance Review – Structured mid-term or end-of-term evaluation by the site supervisor, measuring technical performance and soft skills.
• Faculty Coordinator Check-ins – Periodic progress meetings or site visits between the student and faculty coordinator to review learning objectives, address issues, and verify hours.

Optional / Site-Dependent Topics

• Quality Assurance Practices – Inspection procedures, statistical process control (SPC), or ISO quality standards as practiced at the employer site.
• Automated Systems and PLC Operations – Exposure to programmable logic controllers, robotic systems, or computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) environments.
• Lean Manufacturing and Process Improvement – Participation in 5S, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement initiatives at the worksite.
• Blueprint Reading and Production Documentation – Applying technical drawing interpretation skills in a live production context.
• Materials and Processes – Practical exposure to metal alloys, polymers, composites, or other industrial materials used in the employer's manufacturing processes.
• Career Development Activities – Resume refinement, professional networking, and career pathway planning based on co-op experience.

Resources & Tools

• Co-op Learning Agreement / Training Plan – A formal written agreement between the student, employer, and college outlining learning objectives, tasks, and supervision responsibilities.
• Work Log / Reflective Journal – Required documentation tool maintained by the student throughout the co-op term to record hours, activities, and reflections.
• Employer Evaluation Form – Standardized rubric completed by the site supervisor to assess student performance.
• Florida Advanced Technological Education Center (FLATE) – State resource supporting manufacturing workforce education; available at fl-ate.org.
• Florida SCNS Course Profile Database – Official statewide course information available at flscns.fldoe.org.
• Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) – Industry standards and Certified Production Technician (CPT) resources aligned with Florida manufacturing programs.
• OSHA Training Materials – General Industry Safety standards applicable to manufacturing co-op sites.

Career Pathways

Completion of ETI2948 supports entry into or advancement within the following career areas in Florida's manufacturing and industrial sectors:

• Production / Manufacturing Technician – Operating and maintaining automated production systems in aerospace, defense, medical device, or consumer goods manufacturing.
• Quality Control / Assurance Technician – Performing inspection, testing, and documentation to ensure product conformance to specifications.
• Electro-Mechanical Technician – Troubleshooting and maintaining electrical and mechanical systems in industrial settings.
• Process Improvement Analyst / Technician – Supporting lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives on the production floor.
• Industrial Maintenance Technician – Preventive and corrective maintenance of manufacturing equipment and systems.
• Technical Sales / Applications Technician – Bridging engineering and customer-facing roles using hands-on manufacturing knowledge.

Florida's manufacturing sector employs more than 380,000 workers across 20,000+ companies statewide, providing strong regional demand for graduates with applied, co-op-validated skills. Graduates may also pursue articulation into Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) programs at Florida state colleges or university 2+2 pathways.

Special Information

Grading: This course is typically graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) or Pass/No Pass basis. Credit is awarded upon verified completion of required work hours, submission of all documentation, and a satisfactory employer evaluation.

Work Hour Requirement: For a 2-credit co-op course, students are typically expected to complete a minimum of 160–180 contact/clock hours at the approved worksite during the semester, consistent with Florida college standards for work-based learning credit awards.

Site Approval: All co-op placements must be approved in advance by the faculty coordinator. The worksite must involve duties directly related to manufacturing technology, industrial systems, or a closely aligned technical discipline.

Certification Alignment: The skills practiced during ETI2948 may contribute toward industry credentials including the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician (CPT) and related stackable credentials embedded in Florida's Engineering Technology A.S. programs. Students are encouraged to discuss certification opportunities with their faculty coordinator.

International Students: F-1 visa students must obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization through their institution's international student services office prior to beginning co-op employment.