WORK BASED LEARNING (WBL)
Through the programs at Lapeer Education & Technology Center students receive hands-on training in classroom environment which simulates students in various career fields. Many students at the Lapeer County Ed Tech Center have the opportunity to participate in work-based education. Through partnerships with local businesses, work-based education utilizes industry to help educate and train students. This practical experience allows students to easily see the direct relationship between what is being taught in the classroom, and the skills and work habits required to achieve success in a particular field.
Unpaid Work Experience
Unpaid work experiences provide students with the opportunity to spend classroom time at a business, learning and practicing occupational skills. In lieu of attending their regular class session, students may earn the privilege of spending up to three days each week at a training site. Work experience students are responsible for keeping track of their hours and documenting the daily activities performed at the work site. A student evaluation is completed by the employer at the end of the unpaid work experience, which is typically one to three weeks in duration. Unpaid work experience is only open to students who have successfully completed the first trimester year of their two-year program, and is offered at any time between the months of October and May. Student participation in work experience is dependent upon recommendation by the instructor and approval by the work-based education coordinator. Students must also meet eligibility requirements that are based on skill set, attendance, grades, and work ethic/behavior.
Paid Work Experience
Co-op is a paid work experience that allows students to build and expand on classroom skills by working in the occupation at a local business. Students spend up to three days per week at their work site and return to their class at Ed Tech a minimum of two days each week. Co-op students are responsible for keeping track of their hours and documenting the daily activities performed at the work site. Employer evaluations of student progress and performance contribute to the student’s grade in the program. Students may be placed at a worksite for any duration of time between the months of October and May. Co-op is only open to second year students who have successfully completed the first year of their program. Student participation in the co-op program is dependent upon recommendation by the instructor and approval by the work-based education coordinator. Students must also meet eligibility requirements that are based on skill set, attendance, grades, and work ethic/behavior.
The primary responsibilities of the employer include:
Providing and maintaining a safe working environment
Providing the student with proper training and supervision
Providing work for the student each day that includes a variety of occupational tasks and duties
Verifying and signing the student’s “Attendance and Activity Log” each week
Meeting with the work-based learning coordinator each trimester to discuss and evaluate the student’s progress
Complying with all local, state, and federal youth labor and safety laws and regulations
Providing verification of current worker’s compensation coverage and general liability insurance coverage
Not discriminate against student learner on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability
THANK YOU!
Special thanks to our local Businesses that have supported and provided work-site experiences for our students. These paid work-sites continue to prepare our students for entry level positions within our local and State job market.
Click HERE to view a complete list of our current work-sites and certificates delivered.