Author: Tyson Harty

Goals of Work-Based Learning
To assist in the creation of a strong support structure and partnerships between local employers, secondary schools, and technical schools, colleges and certified training programs.
To create a system that is industry driven where employers and their representatives help set occupational skills standards, collaborate on curriculum, provide work experience and work place mentors for students, and certify mastery of skills leading to the award of a skill certificate.
To focus on student’s learning about “many aspects” of a broad industry cluster rather than mastering a narrow set of occupational skills.

We look forward to working with you as our partner in giving these students a head start in the working world by offering them a unique opportunity to gain some valuable experience in their chosen career field.
This is a win-win for the student and the participating employer.

For more information, contact:
Johnnie Sue Moore
Work-Based Learning Coordinator
Jasper County High School
14477 Hwy 11 N
Monticello, Georgia 31064
jsmoore@jasper.k12.ga.us
706-468-5028

Work-Based Learning Program
Jasper County High School
Monticello, GA

We are committed to creating a highly trained, technologically sophisticated, and career-oriented young workforce in our community. This is accomplished by developing partnerships between business, industry, students, parents, the school system, and post-secondary institutions which will lead participating students into meaningful careers.

What is WORK-BASED LEARNING?
Work-based learning (WBL) is an educational strategy that provides students with real-life work experiences where they can apply academic and technical skills and develop employability skills. The concept of work-based learning is an integral part of the Career and Technical Education system.
Work-based learning experiences occur in a work setting, typically at an employer's worksite. The work-based learning activities are coordinated with school-based activities in an attempt to show students the "why" of what they are learning. Work-based learning strategies provide career awareness, career exploration opportunities, career planning activities, and help students reach competencies such as positive work attitudes and employability skills.

BENEFITS OF SCHOOL-TO-CAREER PROGRAMS
WBL benefits Students by:
Providing opportunities to explore possible careers
Improving post-graduation job prospects and establishing future employment contacts
Developing workplace responsibility and positive work habits and attitudes
Encouraging enrollment in post-secondary education
WBL benefits Employers by:
Providing an opportunity to prepare future employees
Offering a source of skilled and motivated future employees
Reducing recruitment & training cost
Encouraging involvement in the curriculum development process.
WBL benefits the Local Community by:
Providing an informed, competent, and productive future workplace
Enhancing awareness of local employment opportunities
Building the foundation for a more productive local economy

RESPONSIBILITIES OF BUSINESS MENTORS
The business mentor is the employee or supervisor who coordinates the student leaning at the worksite.
The mentor should do the following:
Interview and select students for employment without regard to gender, race, color, national origin, creed, or disability.
Provide orientation to the student of job duties and responsibilities.
Work with the coordinator and student in developing a training plan.
Provide feedback to the coordinator on job performance through telephone calls and/or on-site visits of the school WBL Coordinator.
Complete one evaluation per semester with each grading period.