The Mechatronics Flex 20 Certificate is a special type of program, called a Co-operative Certificate, in which employees can gain defined skills that help meet their professional talent needs by choosing the exact skillset desired in the form of variable college credit courses (5-20 credits). Employers may offer workers in a Co-Op Certificate Program release time (2 days a week) to attend class and engage in studies. Frequently, employers also help fund tuition and other expenses of participating workers. Degree program prerequisites are waived for certificate students. As such, prospective Flex 20 students must demonstrate current employment in a relevant field in industry, and complete a work-based learning agreement before admission to the program.