Work-based Learning includes internships, job shadowing, mentoring and apprenticeships. It's a way to test drive possible career paths or a passion. It's a student's opportunity to explore what interests them for their future.
Why Choose Work Based Learning?
Benefits to Students. Work-based learning can help students improve academically. It helps them learn how the things they learn in the classroom are connected to the real world. It's also a great way to explore career options.
Benefits to Schools. Work-based learning can improve student motivation, attendance, and graduation rates. It can also improve the school's relationship with the community.
Benefits to Employers. Work-based learning may help employers reduce their recruitment and marketing costs. It also helps them hire better-prepared employees who understand workplace expectations. It's an opportunity for employers to keep track of students who are highly successful for future job openings or partnership endeavors.
Most schools compile a list of internship opportunities for students
Worksite Experiences
Is a guided tour of a business. It is usually for elementary or middle school students.
Is a chance to learn about work processes and the skill requirements of different jobs.
Is a short-term experience that lets you explore many occupations at one time and ask questions.
Is for an individual student or an entire class. It is usually more valuable for both students and employers when it involves a small group.
Junior Achievement provides worksite field trips that to help young people learn about economics.
Apprenticeships
Is for students interested in getting a foot in the door of a skilled craft or trade.
Is a structured, formal way to gain skills for a possible career path.
Combines on-the-job training with your classroom instruction.
Youth apprenticeships are typically for secondary (11th and 12th graders) but could be for younger grade levels.
Job Shadowing
Is for students at any stage, but is most common for secondary students.
Ranges from a few hours to a few days.
Allows students to follow an employee on the job to experience real, day-to-day work in a specific occupation or industry.
Career Mentorship Programs
Is for students at any stage.
Is a relationship with someone who is an 'expert' in their career field. Your mentor may or may not be someone you already know.
Can help guide your educational/career decisions, both big and small.
Can give you inside information about an occupation, industry, or career. This can help you set your future goals.
Can offer guidance, support, and motivation.
Can range from a very informal to completely formal relationship.
Can be face-to-face or via e-mail (often called e-mentoring).
Practicum at 'Tinkering Labs'
Is usually for students from 7th grade through 12th grade.
Allows you to complete a project related to your chosen interest at a worksite.
Lets you use state-of-the-art technology and/or resources that are not available at school
Allows you to demonstrate your knowledge.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
Are for prospective college/university students.
Gives you college/university credit for activities or classes you have taken outside the normal college/university setting.
Are sometimes based on classes that substitute for college/university work. Others allow you to meet college/university requirements by taking tests or substituting related work or life experiences.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of of exams. Credit may also be awarded for paid or volunteer work experience.
Work-based Learning is integrated into all grade levels of education, dependent upon learning level appropriateness. The levels of Awareness, Exploration, Orientation and Preparation are coordinated to make the most out of the learning.
Awareness: In grades K-5, students are introduced to a multitude of careers through career days, worksite experiences, job shadowing, career mentorships and guest speakers.
Exploration: In grades 6-7, students explore career options in a particular field of work through career fairs, field studies, job shadowing, practicum at tinkering labs, career mentorships and guest speakers.
Orientation: In grades 8-9, students become familiar with a specific career(s) through career fairs, job shadowing, career mentorships, practicum at tinkering labs and guest speakers.
Preparation: In grades 10-12, students prepare for a career of their choosing through internships, apprenticeships, and a variety of other work experiences.
Parents/Guardians:
If you, your company or if you know of people who may be willing to offer their services for our students' Work-based Learning projects, please contact the school.
