Work-Based Learning
Work-based learning experiences are a valuable component of the School-to-Career program. Students who participate in work-based learning experiences are prepared to be career focused and globally competitive. The range of experiences available can be illustrated as a spectrum - from limited career exploration to in-depth work assignments.
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Work-based learning experiences provide an integration of core and technical instruction, which enhances the overall curriculum, increases learning, promotes instructional rigor and meets the educational needs of all students.
Wake County Public School System offers a variety of work-based learning (WBL) opportunities that are available to all high school students. Job Shadowing, also available in middle school, gives the student the oportunity to watch someone work for a half day. Internships are career-track jobs that link what the student is learning in school to what they are learning in the work-place. Internships require 180 or more hours of work. Short-Term Work Experiences are like Internships, but require less hours. Apprenticeships combine school work with on-the-job training. Apprenticeships started in high school continue for one or two years after high school. All of these WBL activities can occur during or after school hours.
Types of Work-Based Learning experiences
- Job Shadowing
- Short-Term Work Experiences
- Cooperative Education
- Internship
- Apprenticeship
- Service Learning
Registering Students
The Career Development Coordinator (CDC) at each middle and high school oversees the Work-Based Learning (WBL) program at his/her school.
Students participating in WBL activities must be registered.
The Work-Based Learning form (Excel 24KB) must be completed and submitted prior to the work-based learning activity.
This form must be submitted to the CTE Central Office before the student goes to the work-based learning activity. Attach the completed form to an e-mail and send it to Chris Droessler (cdroessler).
This form must be submitted as an e-mail attachment. Paper copies, or any other method, will not be accepted.
Insurance Coverage
The Wake County Public School System has liability insurance coverage on all students who participate in officially-recognized work-based learning activities. Basically, each student is covered with a $1,000,000 liability policy. Details of the policy can be found in the Certificate of Insurance (PDF 96 KB).
Students must be registered before they go to the work-based learning experience in order for this insurance to be in effect.
In the unlikely event that an accident occurs, the school CDC completes an Accident Report (Word 40 KB) and submits it to the School-to-Career Coordinator at the Central Office.
State Policy
View a copy of the NC State Board of Education Policy Manual regarding Work-Based Learning.(alternate web page)
Note: WCPSS has a higher requirement for the hours of work required.
Background Checks
Toni Cooper, Coordinator of Family Involvement & Outreach Services has clarified the WCPSS position on background checks as it relates to students in our work-based learning programs.
Business volunteers who supervise our students in work-based learning programs do not need background checks, provided the parent is aware of where their child is at all times. For a job shadow, see the details on the Job Shadowing web page. All other forms of work-based learning are the type where the student is actually hired by a company, therefore no background check is needed. The student, along with his/her parents, are encouraged to do their own research into the place of business to determine if it is a suitable place to work. WCPSS does not encourage work-based learning experiences in home-based businesses.
Wake County Public School System requires business volunteers who drive a student to undergo a background check. This would include volunteers who drive a student as part of a job shadowing experience. This background check is good for two years. To register for a background check, the volunteer needs to see the Career Development Coordinator (CDC) at one of our middle or high schools.
Under Age Workers (under 18 years old)
Information about youth employment certificates (worker's permit) for underage workers can be found on the North Carolina Department of Labor website. The Career Development Coordinator at each high school may be qualified to process youth employment certificates. Child Labor information can be found on the New and Revised Child Labor Materials web page.Location
Work-based learning experiences must occur away from the student's school.
School-based work experiences are a great way to learn about work. This might include lab techs, office assistants, media assistants, etc. However, one essential aspect of the work-based learning experience is to place the student in a real work setting away from the school. Therefore, the NC State Board of Education requires that work-based learning experiences occur at a location other than the student's school.
Wake County Public School System programs are staffed and offered without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, political affiliation, or disability.