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Female student at work
Male student at work in office
Female student at work

Work-Based Learning
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Work-Based Learning integrates high school courses, technical skills, and career goals through real-world work experiences. Through work-based learning experiences, students merge theory with practical work experience in jobs with local business partners.
  • Businesses benefit through access to an applicant pool who are interested, qualified, career-oriented, and have technical skills training.
  • Students benefit from real-world application of the academic, employability, and technical skills learned in school.
  • Communities benefit from strong relationships between businesses and schools. Through active exchanges, educators better understand employers’ needs and employers contribute to the technical skills development of the community’s workforce.
  • Instructional strategies provide career awareness, career exploration, career planning, employability skills training, and support as students integrate school with work.

WBL Information for Students and Business PartnersTop of Page

Students

Apply for the Work-Based Learning Program

Juniors or seniors interested in the WBL program may complete an application by selecting the link below.
 
 

Work-Based Learning Program Information

The Griffin-Spalding County Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship Program is an education option that prepares high school students for the world of work through a combination of academic and workplace learning. It is based on the belief that our youth must be better prepared for the future if they are to be successful in a competitive, global economy.
​Work-Based Learning is a structured experience that connects the student’s career goal and classroom learning with a productive work environment. Work-Based Learning is NOT a program to get out of school early. It is an extension of the high school curriculum.
 

Program Requirements

  • ​Be a junior or senior at least 16 years old
  • A 2.5/75+ grade point average
  • Good attendance and discipline record
  • Good recommendation from 3 teachers
  • A defined career goal
  • On track for graduation
  • Completion of (or enrollment in) matching coursework in a career pathway
  • Reliable transportation to and from the workplace
  • Proof of health and automobile insurance
  • Good attitude, grooming habits, and work ethic.​

Additional Requirements:

  • Students, parents, employers, and the WBL Coordinator will sign a Training Agreement and a Training Plan reflecting work hours and tasks.
  • Student job schedules must reflect the majority of the work hours between 7:30 AM and 8:00 PM Monday through Friday.
  • WBL Coordinator must be able to make job-site visits during weekdays and regular working hours.
  • Students will meet with the WBL Coordinator on a regular basis. Meetings are announced several days in advance.
  • Students will create a portfolio with employability lessons to earn the Georgia Best Work Ready Certificate.
  • Students may not work for parent/guardian.

Business Partners

Business Partners

The Work-Based Learning program would not be possible without the support of our local business partners in the Griffin-Spalding County area. These businesses act as mentors, helping to train students with critical skills needed to be successful in the world of work. Thank you to our current business partners and we encourage all businesses to get involved. For information on how to become a Business Partner, please contact Dr. Lea Folds at lea.folds@gscs.org.
 
The Work Based Learning Mentor Handbook contains more specific information for potential partners with our program. Please contact Dr. Lea Folds, Work Based Learning Coordinator for more specific information. Email: lea.folds@gscs.org
 

Labor Laws Affecting Workers Under 18-Years of Age

Limited exemptions exist in 7 Hazardous Occupation categories for students enrolled in qualifying school-work programs or apprentice positions.  
Additional information on labor laws affecting workers under 18-years old can be viewed at the following US Department of Labor website. https://www.dol.gov/whd/childlabor.htm
 

Career Tech (CTAE) Pathways

Pathways

  • Audio/Video Film
  • Automotive
  • Aviation Flight Operations
  • Aviation Maintenance
  • Business & Technology
  • Computer Programming
  • Construction (Carpentry, Electrical, Masonry)
  • Cosmetology
  • Criminal Justice
  • Culinary Arts
  • Cyber Security
  • Digital Technology
  • Distribution & Logistics
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Electrical Technician
  • Engineering
  • Forensics
  • Healthcare Science - (Sport Medicine, Medical Office Support, Certified Nurse Aid, and Pharmacy Technician )
  • Manufacturing Maintenance Technician
  • Manufacturing Production Assistant
  • Teaching as a Profession
  • Welding

Gov. Nathan Deal and State Superintendent Mr. Richard Woods discuss Work-Based LearningTop of Page

Helpful Links
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Child Labor Law Information
 
Youth Rules (a site hosted by the U.S. Department of Labor) contains important job related information for students and their parents/guardians including work hours, minimum wage, and child labor information.
 

Are you a student, parent, or community member? Keep in touch with us: