What is Work-based Learning?
Work-Based Learning is
comprised of a wide range of
activities that are conducted
as a regular and ongoing part of
AHS's
Career and Technical Education (CTE) program areas. These activities extend learning
experiences for students so they are better able to make necessary connections among their school activities, their current jobs, and planning for their futures.
What is the Educational Role of Work-Based Learning Activities?
Work-based learning activities provide extended learning experiences that connect acquired knowledge
and skills to a student‘s future. Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents, and our community partners share a responsibility to assist all students in developing their High School and Beyond Plan.
In fact, Washington State's CTE Program Standards define and require work-based learning as an important component of all CTE programs. It is an essential element of the total educational
system and helps to provide the technical skills, knowledge, and training necessary for students to succeed in specific
occupations and careers. Furthermore, It prepares students for the world of work by introducing them to the workplace
competencies common to all careers.
How Can Your Business Participate?
Provide a Job Learning Opportunity
If you are interested in providing a Work-Based Learning job opportunity for an AHS Student, please describe your opportunity to the AHS CTE Director, Jon Ronngren. You may either email or telephone the director at 360-293-2166 extension 706. This way we can provide you with a student who is interested in learning how to meet your needs.
Just Post a Job
If you would just like to have a job posted at the high school, you may request that service from the AHS CTE Director, Jon Ronngren, as well. Again you may either email or telephone the director at 360-293-2166 extension 706. After your request is approved, one of the work-based learning teachers will make your job available to the students who are most qualified.
Requirements for Work-Based Learning Jobs
- Job must be related to the qualifying CTE program of study.
- Worksite must follow state & federal labor laws including child labor laws.
- Worksite must agree to learning contracts & evalustion period.
- Worksite supervisor is availabe & willing to meet with the WBL Teacher/Coordinator.
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Students: Is Work-based Learning for You?
According to Washington State sources, students who participate in work-based learning opportunities that are connected to their school CTE program areas may:
- Show improved academic achievement.
- Realize the relevance of their education and apply acquired knowledge in a meaningful way.
- Have the opportunity to explore career options.
- Increase self-confidence.
- Acquire real workplace experience and employability skills.
- Connect with an adult role model.
- Be more likely to go on to some type of educational training after high school.
What Types of Work-Based Learning Opportunities Are There?
The big picture for Work-based Learning is that you must sign up with the coordinating teacher for the CTE program area that you are most interested in. Then you can access all of the benefits and opportunities that the program provides. See the chart at the right for an overview of these opportunities.
All worksite learning is categorized as either instructional or cooperative. Other terms used by some industries may use the terms: pre-intern and internship, clinical experience, youth, or pre-apprenticeship. The worksite learning programs at AHS may also be categorized as either instructional or cooperative worksite learning. Some of the components of Work-based Learning discussed below happen in the classroom, and some of them happen on job sites.
I. Guest Speakers
These individuals have expertise in a particular industry, and come into the class and showcase their industry and/or worksite. They are usually scheduled based on a particular interest or unit of
instruction unique to their industry. They may showcase the skills needed to be successful in their
industry along with necessary employability skills, share information about the particulars of their
profession, answer questions, and act as a resource for students interested in pursuing a similar
occupation. (back to the top)
II. Structured Field Trips
Work-based learning activities that are normally done in groups and accompanied by a certified
teacher are called Structured Field Trips. The field trip experience is ‗front loaded‘ with a purpose and
may be a culmination experience. It is hosted by a representative of the worksite. During a field trip
students may observe, ask questions and learn from the experience of being on an actual worksite.
Field trips should be followed up with debriefing activities such as class discussion, reports, and
follow-up letters to the worksite hosting the experience.
III. School-Based Enterprises
A school-based enterprise involves goods and/or services being produced by students as part of their
educational program. School-based enterprises typically engage students in all aspects of operation and
management of a business that may involve the sale of goods and/or services for use by others.
Enterprises may be undertaken on or off the school site, but are always part of the school‘s educational
program.
IV. Job Shadows
A job shadow is a career exploration activity in which a student follows an employee for one or more
days to learn about a particular occupation or industry. Job shadowing can help students explore a
range of career opportunities to assist in developing their high school and beyond plan. Classroom
exercises conducted prior to and following the job shadow help students connect their experience to
their coursework, career interests, related skills requirements, and future educational options.
Characteristics of a job shadow include:
- Varying time commitments from one hour to one full day.
- Providing students with a realistic view of a specific job.
- Allowing students to observe employees on the job.
- Allowing students time to ask questions.
- Requiring students to complete related class assignments (journal, focused questions, etc.).
For more job shadow information please visit the job shadow website.
V. Worksite Learning
Worksite Learning provides students the opportunity to learn in the workplace, while applying skills and knowledge obtained in a qualifying class. Worksite learning, instructional or cooperative, occurs at a qualified worksite outside the classroom in fulfillment of a student‘s career and education plan. Worksite learning is more comprehensive and structured than other types of work-based learning. (back to the top)
Instructional Worksite Learning
Instructional worksite learning means a learning experience that takes place in the community (or
school, if the experience is comparable to that in a community setting) as an embedded part of a
specific course content where the student performs tasks in order to gain desired skills, competencies,
qualifications, or industry certifications through direct instruction.
Cooperative Worksite Learning
Cooperative worksite learning means a learning experience where students practice in the
community (or school, if the experience is comparable to that in a community setting) the skills and
knowledge learned in the classroom. An employer/employee relationship must exist if the work
performed by the student results in a net increase in productivity or profitability for the business or
organization.
Supported Employment
Supported employment (also referred to as work experience) requires onsite supervision by trained
personnel or employees of the business who receive training and support from school personnel in
working with students with significant disabilities. Supported employment is a form of worksite
learning. Supported employment may take place in a variety of settings, including food service,
industrial, medical, and other field sites. Students with significant disabilities have the opportunity to
learn skills in the setting in which the skills are typically used. Unlike many CTE models, supported
employment is a place/train/support model rather than a train/place/support model. Supported
employment plans are often developed through an IEP process and are frequently administered in
conjunction with adult service agencies such as Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
VI. Internship
Internship opportunities provide students with unique practical hands on experiences in an occupational area of interest or profession.
Internships range in duration from a few weeks to a entire school year. Although internships are usually unpaid experiences, students may have the opportunity to transition from an unpaid internship into employment.
VII. Pre-Apprenticeship
Like internships, pre-apprenticeship programs provide students with real-world opportunities and experiences in occupational areas of interest. Students interested in pursuing a pre-apprenticeship program are encouraged to visit the Washington Initiative Apprenticeship website for additional information and participating organizations. Pre-apprenticeships are a great way to improve your basic skills prior to applying to an apprenticeship program. (back to the top)
Anacortes High School