Work-Based Learning

Learn as You Work

Michigan Department of Education defines the term Work-Based Learning to mean sustained interactions with employers or community professionals in real workplace settings that foster in-depth, first-hand engagement. The MDE has three components that must be included to be classified as a Work-Based Learning experience:

• Involvement of industry partner or employer
• Centered around CTE task or competency
• Sustained or ongoing task partnership with industry partners in Career Preparation and Career Training experiences

We're committed to working alongside instructors, counselors, administrators, parents, and community partners to provide quality education through extended learning experiences that connect acquired skills and knowledge to a student’s future. Work-Based Learning helps to narrow the gap between theory and practice by giving students the opportunity to apply current skills and learn new skills through the expansion of the classroom out into the community.

Work-Based Learning Objectives

• Provide quality opportunities for students to learn and apply various skills by expanding the walls of the classroom learning to include the community.
• Foster mutually reciprocal relationships with community partners to facilitate the connection between academic learning and real-world experiences.
• Provide equitable access to Work-Based Learning for all students.
• Work with instructors to increase and elevate student participation in Work-Based Learning experiences.
• Increase students’ understanding and use of transferable career and employability skills (problem-solving, communication, timeliness, etc).
• Align Work-Based Learning opportunities to program CIP standards.

Work-based Learning Resources

• Career Training Plan and Agreement
• WBL Student Time Sheet
• Job Shadow Form
• MI DOL laws
• MIOSHA workplace safety check list
• Site Visit Form
• WBL Time Sheet
• WBL_Non-CTE_Program_Booklet
• WBL_Non-CTE_Students_with_an_IEP_Booklet
• Work-Based Learning Experiences Program Requirements

Hospitality at the Hospital

Kent Career Tech Center advanced culinary students completed three five-week internship experiences at Trinity Health Saint Mary's Hospital, where they worked with patient services, in the cafe and in catering.  These students made a tangible difference in the healthcare sector and learned valuable lessons in a real workplace.

Watch the School News Network story below.

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