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Learning Opportunities

Extended Learning Opportunities

Work-based learning helps students have an understanding of a selected career prior to committing their education solely to that field. Students further benefit from the experience as it gives them the opportunity to connect education with the world of work, build self-confidence through hands-on experience, and, in some cases, earn income while learning. Students are not the only ones who benefit. Work-based learning gives employers the opportunity to create a pool of qualified workers, evaluate potential employees, and influence curriculum development to train the future workforce for their industry.

Work-based learning includes:

Youth Apprenticeship

Youth Apprenticeship is a highly structured program that may connect to an adult apprenticeship lasting three to four years for students who are age 16 or older. Apprenticeships provide work-based employer training that connects to secondary school. Such programs are enhanced by technical career and technology programs that include a formal written agreement defining specific workplace competencies to be mastered. Students may earn work-based course credit provided district course requirements are met.

 

Registered Apprenticeship

Registered Youth Apprenticeships are registered with the federal government through the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT), US Department of Labor. This program is a highly structured program for students who are 16 years or older and may last from one to six years. The program meets federally approved standards for job duties, related classroom instruction, wages and safety and health conditions and also includes a formal written agreement defining specific workplace competencies. Students may earn work-based course credit provided district course requirements are met.

Cooperative Education

Cooperative education is a structured program that combines related classroom instruction in applied technology career and technology education programs with supervised, paid work experience through written cooperative arrangements between the school and employers. Work periods and school attendance may be on alternate half days, full days or other periods of time. Students may earn work-based course credit provided district course requirements are met.

Work-Based Mentoring

Mentoring links students with professionals in a career field for a certain period of time to help provide students with career guidance.

Internships

An internship provides a one-on-one relationship for hands-on learning and generally last several months with the student working, paid or unpaid, under the supervision of an employer (mentor).

Service Learning

Service Learning connects students with community organizations or service projects. It links schools with their communities by integrating learning with the needs of the community in the areas of education, environment, human needs or public safety. Service Learning promotes both personal and intellectual growth in students, helps them develop civic responsibility, and provides an opportunity for career exploration. Students learn by doing through a clear application of skills and knowledge while helping to meet the needs in the school or greater community.

Shadowing

Shadowing is a one-time educational work-based learning experience, lasting four to eight hours, that introduces a student to a particular job or career by pairing the student with an employee (mentor) of a business, industry or an agency. The student will follow or "shadow" the employee as normal work activities are performed, and will observe, ask questions, and gain firsthand knowledge of the requirements of a career field and of the workplace.

Groundhog Job Shadow Month is celebrated each February. A strong emphasis is placed on shadowing during this time.

Business 101

Business 101 seminars are targeted to college students and high school seniors to educate them on dressing for success, job skills (resumes, cover letters, interviewing skills), financial planning and customer service.

Presentations/Speaking Engagements

Alliance members consistently speak to groups of students about career opportunities in their area of expertise. These presentations offer insight into the world of work and allow students the opportunity to network and ask questions.

Career Fairs

Midlands Education and Business Alliance actively participates in and hosts career fairs to bring together students to learn about career opportunities and requirements.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities abound in the Midlands. The University of South Carolina Community Service Programs offers a variety of information on volunteering. For additional information call (803) 777-7130 or visit www.sa.sc.edu/ocsp.

Dual Credit

Dual credit provides opportunities for students to earn college credits while in high school. Students should check with individual school counselors for details on participation in the dual enrollment programs.