There is no substitute for the kind of hands-on experience that a work experience education program offers. If presented in a book, the same information would rarely be conveyed as effectively as it would at an actual work site. By using the business community as a classroom, students are familiarized with the world of work. They gain proficiency in life skills ranging from managing appointments and greeting the public to dressing appropriately, becoming aware of personal strengths and weaknesses, and working independently. 

The Work-Based Learning Program options available through the Capital Region BOCES can be tailored to suit the needs of the diverse student population that attends the Career & Technical School. Through this real-life experience, students learn to work effectively with other people and accept responsibility . . . skills that spell success.

THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (Career Exploration Internship Program CEIP)
Open to students in career and technical education programs, the internship program offers non-paid experience at an area business. Students must meet certain criteria before being placed. Through the program, they are exposed to a variety of career areas within an organization. Activities may range from work-sampling a number of jobs to more intensive exploration of a particular job or job cluster. Students split their time between the work site and school and earn credits toward graduation. Such hands-on participation enables students to assess their interest and aptitude for an occupation or specific job.

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION (CO-OP) 
The Co-op program provides a paid employment opportunity where students learn and practice related occupational skills on the job. The student or co-op coordinator obtains the part-time job placement related to the student's career and technical class. The program is supervised by the co-op coordinator, and on-site visits are scheduled periodically. A minimum of one day per week of related classroom instruction is mandatory. After completing this paid work experience, students are expected to be ready to enter the workforce with job ready skills after graduation.

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS  
Students must:
- Be approved by their CTE course instructor.

- Have maintained at minimum a 75% average in their CTE program.

- Had no more than three minor offense behavior referrals (Serious offenses would automatically disqualify the student. Please refer to the CTE School Disciplinary Code for definition of offenses).

- Have a maximum of three unexcused absences to enter program.

- Have a completed resume before the initial meeting with the coordinator.  If the student requires help with the resume please have them see their English integration teacher, guidance counselor or Work Based Learning coordinator.

- While on the work experience the student will be expected to maintain their coursework and grades as required by their CTE instructor and WBL program.

- Adhere to the employers and the Capital Region BOCES CTE School Disciplinary Code while on work experience

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Employers:
- May be asked to interview the prospective student/students.
- Help develop a training plan.
- Ensure that the student's employment activity will be supervised by experienced and qualified persons.
- Ensure all tasks will be performed with appropriate safety instructions.
- Ensure the student receives the same consideration given other employees with regard to safety, health, Social Security, general employment conditions, and other regulations of the business.
- Notifies the coordinator if difficulties arise or changes are necessary.
- Monitors the student's progress and completes periodic evaluations.
- Will not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, creed, national origin, sex, age or disability.

The Coordinator:
- Identifies appropriate work sites.
- Works with the employer in the development of a training plan.
- Maintains up-to-date records on attendance and evaluations.
- Conducts visits to work sites.
- Assists both students and employers in addressing problems, issues or concerns that arise as part of the work experience program.
- Ensures adherence to all New York State Department of Labor laws and regulations.

Once the students are placed, then what?

Attendance: All students MUST follow the attendance procedures indicated in their Student Memorandum of Agreement each day at the beginning of their Work-Based Learning experience.

Time Sheets: Students must submit Work-Based Learning time sheet, and/or employers’ time records, to Work-Based Learning coordinator and the course instructor on a weekly basis. NOTE: failure to provide time sheets will require the cancellation of the work experience.

Transportation: The student may be responsible for her/his own transportation to and from job sites. The coordinators will work with students on an individual basis to address transportation issues.

Weekly Journal: 
LEGALLY, all students are required to complete and maintain a weekly work journal based on the individual instructors requirements. Journals will become part of the student's senior portfolio and will be kept on file with the student's records.

On-Site Visits: 
Instructors are encouraged to conduct on-site- visits and make periodic phone calls/e-mails to monitor the student's progress. The coordinators will also make periodic on-site-visits.

Evaluation: 
Employers are encouraged to complete a work place competency evaluation at the end of each quarter. The instructor should use this evaluation as part of the student's course grade.

Who are our business and industry partners?
View list of Advisory Committee members

Job Opportunities for students, alumni & staff
Visit our new Employment Opportunities postings page

Marc F. Peimer (862-4823)
James Haas (862-4828)

Coordinators,
Work Based Learning
Capital Region Career and Technical School
1015 Watervliet-Shaker Road
Albany NY 12205
mpeimer@gw.neric.org
jhaas@gw.neric.org

[4/09]