Work-Based Learning

Work-Based Learning Methods of Instruction

There are nine different WBL methods of instruction currently practiced in Caddo

– Job shadowing, mentorship, service learning, externship, school-based enterprise, internship, entrepreneurship, clinical experience, cooperative education. As students participate in WBL experiences, their various paths can be grouped into three categories – career awareness, career exploration, and career preparation. (Source Virginia DECA DOE)

CCTC focuses on clinicals, internships, career fairs, and job shadowing.

Why is Work-based Learning Important? 

  • 70% of American jobs in the 21st century call for more education than high school but less than a baccalaureate.
  • Business, industry, and labor have concerns about the quality and competitiveness of the American workforce in the global economy.
  • Students get an opportunity to bridge the gap between the classroom and the world of work.
  • Students who participate in work-based learning experience an increase in the completion of related coursework, improved attendance, and higher graduation rates (Colley & Jamison, 1998).
  • Work-based learning leads to high-skills, high-wage jobs that keep America running, “new collar” jobs that enable young people to form families, live good lives, and contribute to their communities
Student Participation

Are you a CCTC student looking for an internship? Are you interested in working after graduation?

Sign Up for Job/Internship

Business and Industry Participation

Signup to Partner

Students from Caddo Career & Technology Center are participating in a variety of internship activities. These work-based learning experiences are part of a career applications program aimed at better preparing our students for the work place of the 21st Century. We are striving to make our classroom activities more relevant to what takes place in the “real world” of work.

 

What is an Internship?   Work-based activities where students work one-on-one with a business partner employee (mentor) for a specified period of time to obtain “hands on” learning about a particular occupation or industry.  The student generally works during the school day as part of a course of study.  Although internships are usually short term, their duration varies as well as the complexity of knowledge and skills the student is required to master at each placement. Internship programs are for senior or junior students that have completed most courses in their area of concentration.  These experiences are linked to the student’s chosen career cluster/area of concentration and allow students to explore career options, learn work terminology, and become familiar with business/industry protocol.  The workplace activities involved with an internship could include special projects, a sample of tasks from different jobs, or tasks from a single occupation.  An internship agreement is set up prior to the experience and outlines the expected objectives to be accomplished by the student.  The program may/or may not include financial compensation.

 

Expectations of a Business Host 

  • Accept a phone call from the Internship Coordinator to discuss your business serving as a potential internship site.
  • Designate a member of your organization to supervise the student during the internship.
  • Discuss and sign a training agreement with the school to participate in the internship program.
  • Fulfill employer expectations within the mutual agreement.
  • Respond to periodic phone calls from staff.
  • Complete a brief evaluation of the student intern and the internship program upon completion of the internship experience.
  • Complete the required state Training Memorandum

 

Expectations of our Student Interns 

 

  • Check with the Internship Coordinator to confirm job-site assignment.
  • Sign training agreement and fulfill all student expectations within the agreement.
  • Maintain regular attendance in school and at the internship site.
  • Abide by all rules and regulations of work site. Respect confidentiality.
  • Arrange transportation to and from job site.
  • Dress appropriately for the work site. Ask relevant questions of host business and report information on designated form. Obtain signature of work-site mentor to verify student intern evaluation and the internship experience.
  • Complete the required state Training Memorandum

Note: Students are on a limited time schedule; however, their school schedule will reflect time spent at the work site and the time traveling to and from the work site.

Do you want to help shape the new generation of employees in your industry?

Do you want young, eager to learn, and reliable workers?

The two most important ways our industry partners can be involved with CCTC is joining our business and industry counsel and having CCTC student interns at your company.

Are you interested in partnering with CCTC to make sure these are students are prepared for work in our local area? Are you willing to participate by hosting an intern, or serving on a business and industry council?