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 
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.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Students:
- Will conform to all rules and regulations of the place of employment as well as those outlined in the memorandum of agreement. Special attention is called to employer's regulations concerning dress, conduct and attendance.
- Unable to work on a given day must notify their place of employment. If absence is to extend beyond one day, students also must notify the coordinator at the Career & Technical School.
- Must notify the coordinator of any change in work schedule or location.
- Interested in participating in work experiences must prepare a resume.
- Are advised to review interview procedures in the event that their work experience requires submission to a formal interview.

Parents or guardians:
- May be asked to participate in an orientation session with the student and the teacher/coordinator.
- Are asked to work cooperatively with the coordinator to provide guidance and support for the student in all school and work experiences.
- Sign the appropriate forms for the student to participate in the program.
- Are asked to work with teachers and staff to offer feedback about their child's experience.

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 periodic 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.

Procedures and Requirements for Work-Based Learning Experiences

Before any student will be considered for a work based learning experience the student must:

Be approved by their CTE course instructor 

Have maintained at minimum a 75% average in your class

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 per quarter 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 guidance counselor.

Have met with his or her CTE Guidance counselor

After completing the above:

Refer the student to the WBL coordinators. Students will be seen by appointment only

Students will receive a form packet based on type of work experience

The student must complete the NYS Department of Labor workplace safety training and assessment provided by the WBL Coordinators

An interview will be arranged with the employer and the Principal

A work schedule will be agreed upon by the employer, teacher, integration teacher(s) and student

While on the work experience:

The student will be expected to maintain his or her coursework and grades as required by the CTE instructor and WBL program.

The student must adhere to CTE School Disciplinary Code 

The student must have no unexcused absences


Once the students are placed, then what?

Attendance: 
All students MUST call their teacher each day at the beginning of their class time. Each teacher will provide their classroom phone number to the students on work experiences. Prior to submitting Power School attendance, teachers should check voice mail for students attendance call. For students who are on a Work Based Learning experience teachers should use attendance code WBL as an indication that the student is present but on a COOP, CEIP, job shadow or other approved WBL experience.

Time Sheets: 
The student or the employer must fax or e-mail time sheets to the WBL Coordinators by Friday of every week. On the occasion where there is no fax or e-mail available other arrangements will be made. Students must submit original time sheet to course instructor on a weekly basis. NOTE: failure to provide time sheets will require the cancellation of the work experience.

Transportation: 
The student will be responsible for her/his own transportation to and from job sites. The Coordinators will work with students on an individual basis to solve 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, Coordinators
Business and Education Partnerships
mpeimer@gw.neric.org