CTE Work Based Learning
Work-based learning (WBL) plays a crucial role in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs by bridging the gap between classroom instruction and real-world experience. Here’s why it’s important:
Guest Speakers
Guest speakers bring a level of expertise and excitement into the classroom that can not be replicated. Sometimes a teacher can say the same thing three different ways and a student still not connect the dots….but when an outside comes in, light bulb moment. On site guest speakers will need to complete a background check via your school districts policies. This would be considered Career Awareness.
Student Job Shadows
Job shadows are a wonderful way to connect students one on one with an industry professional allowing them to experience a day in the life of that career pathway. This is usually a one day experience that is organized through the school on behalf of the student. However, some districts require students to set up their own job shadow. In order to facilitate a job shadow as part of your CTE program, you will need to seek approval from your district and ensure that a parent permission slip is completed for all job shadows scheduled. NOTE: To qualify as a job shadow it is important that students are just “shadowing”, not “working”. If a student is going to be doing work, they will need a training agreement. This would be considered Career Exploration.
Advisory Committee Membership & Student Project Mentorships
As we look to strengthen our 259 career & technical education programs in Macomb County we are always looking for advisory committee members. This is a great way to share your industry expertise with the teachers that are directly instructing students. This would be considered Career Preparation.
Student Internships
Like job shadows, student interns spend time in the field with industry professionals. The difference is that internships are for longer periods of time (typically a semester or a year) and work under a training agreement developed in partnership with the school. This would be considered Career Training.
Additional resources pertaining to training agreements and work plans can be found on MDE’s WBL Website
Career Awareness
CTE Teacher-led connections to business and industry that introduce students to various aspects of or types of careers.
ACTIVITIES SUCH AS:
Guest Speakers
Career Fairs
Class Field Trips
Career Preparation
Sustained partnerships led by industry professionals in which students gain competency and develop mastery of occupation-specific tasks and skills.
ACTIVITIES SUCH AS:
Mentorship/Advisor to
classroom projects
Career Exploration
Student-led or student-initiated activities intended to define a student’s area of interest that are aligned with academic, technical, and employability skills.
ACTIVITIES SUCH AS:
Job Shadows
Informational Interview
Career Training
Employers and educators collaborate to increase student engagement with industry mentors and develop employability and transferable skills.
ACTIVITIES SUCH AS:
Student
Internship
Work-based learning (WBL) plays a crucial role in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs by bridging the gap between classroom instruction and real-world experience.
Here’s why it’s important:
Practical Skills Development
WBL provides students with hands-on experience, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. This practical exposure helps them develop the specific skills required in their chosen fields, whether it’s in healthcare, manufacturing, IT, or any other industry.
Career Exploration
WBL gives students the opportunity to explore different career paths within a field, helping them make informed decisions about their future careers. For example, a student interested in healthcare might work in a clinical setting, giving them insights into various roles like nursing, medical billing, or laboratory technology.
Industry Relevance
By engaging with employers in a work environment, students gain a deep understanding of industry standards, workplace expectations, and the latest trends in their fields. This makes them more competitive in the job market, as they graduate with up-to-date knowledge and experience.
Soft Skills Enhancement
Beyond technical skills, WBL helps students develop essential "soft skills" such as communication, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, and professionalism. These interpersonal skills are critical for success in any workplace and are often learned through direct interaction with colleagues and supervisors.
Improved Employability
Work-based learning programs help students build professional networks, gain references, and often lead to job offers. Employers value candidates with prior work experience, as it indicates that they can handle the demands of the job from day one. In many cases, WBL experiences serve as an extended interview.
Motivation and Engagement
Engaging in real work experiences can increase student motivation. Students often find that the connection between what they learn in the classroom and what they do in the workplace makes their education more meaningful and practical. This hands-on learning can increase retention and spark interest in their chosen fields.