Optimising the cooperative education experience for industry, students and the university: a public and environmental health perspective

The requirement for students to undertake work related experience is strongly supported and keenly desired by employers of public and environmental health graduates. This paper explores the strategies used in the Public and Environmental Health Cooperative Education program to optimize the experience for students, employers and the university. It discusses the key factors involved in the management and delivery of the program, including the need to identify and balance the requirements of the key parties involved. Forms of assessment and methods of communication have been strong features of the program for some years and are recognized as highly significant. It also considers how these factors impact on the delivery of the program, the undergraduate curriculum and post-industry based employment opportunities.