Qualifications for Initial Appointment

As a general rule, the college or university will determine the level of education that the student trainee has attained. Education must be in a field of study appropriate for the student trainee position.

Students will be paid according to regular pay schedules established for their type of position and grade level. A salary schedule will be provided by the Office of Human Resources and Workforce Planning.

Within-Grade Increase

Co-op grade levels begin with the first step of the respective grade. A minimum of 52 workweeks must be completed for Steps 2 and 3 within any GS grade. WG grade level co-ops must work 78 weeks between Steps 2 and 3. Students must meet the "Fully Successful" or higher performance rating to be eligible for a within-grade increase. The time that a student is in a leave-without-pay status may extend the waiting period for a within-grade increase.