Challenges

In this paper we provide a description of a cooperative education program developed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Riyadh College of Technology introduced a cooperative education in 1997, covering a variety of technology areas such as chemical, electrical, mechanical and administrative technologies. The program has shown spectacular growth and the authors conducted an evaluation of the program seeking views of employers, College staff and students. The research findings suggest that all three parties are positive about the program, but the rapid growth in enrollments has created a number of challenges, such as the difficulty in securing work-placements in private sector companies, along with a shortag