Jack Lavender, a Prairie High School senior, works 10 hours a week at McDonalds to earn one high school credit. So, what is work-based learning? “Work-based learning is a program where you can achieve an elective credit via 180 hours of work,” Lavender said. There is also a website where you can get more information about work-based learning, given to us by Ms. Miller, Career Center Specialist/Assistance.
Jack is doing work-based learning, because he has the desire to work more, and work-based learning is helping him with his time management. Jack has his schedule and availability set to where he has to work more and he centers his schedule primarily around his job. “If you want to get into work-based learning, you should tell your counselor that you would like to apply and fill out a forum,” Jack said.
“I would recommend work-based learning to students because it’s a great opportunity to not only earn high school and college credit for working, but your teacher can help you learn how to be a great employee. This is especially important if you are planning on going straight to work or eventually want a career in the field you are working in,” said Ms. Miller. “It gives students the opportunity to earn more income and receive an elective credit.
To do work-based learning, you must be legally employed, be taking or have taken a Career and Technical (Occupational) course, have a job that relates to your future career path, work 180 hours (= half a credit) as verified by pay stubs submitted after each pay period, receive satisfactory employee evaluations from the supervisor.
