2024-25 WBL Application
Work-Based Learning
*Follow us on Instagram @wwctae
Current Year - 2024-25 WBL Application: https://forms.gle/7bSgrxp5kpVBizzQA
Georgia Work-Based Learning: http://gawbl.org/
MISSION
The mission of the Work-Based Learning Program is to assist in providing a highly trained, technologically sophisticated and career-oriented young work force. This is accomplished by developing partnerships between business, industry, students, parents, school systems, coordinators, and post-secondary institutions which will lead the participating student into meaningful careers.
GOALS
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 provide assistance in the articulation of programs of study between high schools and post-secondary institutions.
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 workplace 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.
BENEFITS OF SCHOOL-TO-CAREER PROGRAMS
Effective work-based learning programs provide a wide range of specific benefits to students, employers, educational institutions, and the community.
A work-based learning program can benefit participating students by:
Providing opportunities to apply academic proficiencies.
Establishing a clear connection between education and work.
Increasing motivation and retention by showing the relevance of academic and occupational instruction.
Providing opportunities to explore possible careers and enhancing skill development.
Improving post-graduation job prospects and establishing future employment contacts.
Developing workplace responsibility and positive work habits and attitudes.
Providing opportunities for leadership development.
Providing opportunities to develop relationships with adults outside of education.
Encouraging completion of secondary education and enrollment in post-secondary education.
Helping develop an understanding of the workplace.
A work-based learning program can benefit participating employers by:
Providing an opportunity to prepare future employees.
Offering a source of skilled and motivated future employees.
Reducing the cost of recruitment and training.
Improving employee retention.
Offering opportunities to provide community services.
Encouraging involvement in the curriculum development process.
Increasing employer visibility in education.
Communicating required job-specific proficiencies to educational personnel.
Work-based learning programs can benefit the local community by:
Ensuring cooperation and understanding between education, business, and the community.
Enhancing awareness of local employment opportunities.
Building the foundation for a more productive local economy.
We look forward to working with the community as our partner in giving Wilkes County's 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 our students and for participating employers.
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
The Work-Based Learning (WBL) program consists of structured experiences that connect a student’s career goal and classroom learning with a productive work environment. Work-Based Learning includes student placement in positions related to their career interest area that may be unpaid or paid.
The Work-Based Learning experience provides students with opportunities for instruction not only in academics but also in occupational skills. Students also get the opportunity to explore careers and receive guidance in identifying employment and educational goals. A major goal of the WBL program is to provide students the opportunity to connect what they learn in school with work-site application, enabling a smooth transition into the workforce and/or education beyond high school.
Work-Based Learning placements represent the pinnacle of the Career-Related Education experience. To qualify for a WBL placement at WWCHS, a student must:
Be a Junior or Senior at least 15 years old
Have a clearly defined career goal
Have completed or be completing the final course of a Career Pathway
Have a job that relates to that Career Pathway/be willing to help the WBL coordinator find an internship position related to that Career Pathway
Be on track for graduation
Have a good academic record (GPA 2.5 or higher)
Have a good attendance and punctuality record
Have a good high school discipline record
Provide four (4) outstanding teacher recommendations (1 CTAE Pathway, 1 English, 1 Math, 1 of student's choice)
Provide reliable transportation to and from work
Complete and return Work-Based Learning Application:
2024-25 WBL Application: https://forms.gle/7bSgrxp5kpVBizzQA
Once you have completed the application, email Dr. Finnell (finnella@wilkes.k12.ga.us) to let her know you have done so.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Work-Based Learning interns participate in professional skills lessons because they are learning to become the type of workers that employers are seeking. The information below shares feedback from Georgia's employers about their soft skills expectations. Our interns strive to learn, practice, and develop these skills.
EMPLOYMENT PARTNERS
We do our best to match Work-Based Learning (WBL) students with internships that match their career interest area so the students get the opportunity to learn and decide if they want to pursue further training required for that career. Therefore, we are interested in partnerships with employers in a variety of career clusters. We would love to partner and match you with a student with an interest in your career field! Let us help you build your future workforce. Please view the video below to learn more about employing a WBL student and visit our Georgia WBL website to learn more about how we can help you.
LOCAL EMPLOYMENT PARTNERS SINCE 2016
If you are interested in becoming an employment partner, please complete this NEW PARNTER FORM and contact Dr. Alicia Finnell at finnella@wilkes.k12.ga.us. For your subject line, please use "Interested in WBL Employment Partnership." We will contact you to get started.
A&J Dairy
Anderson & Son, Inc.
Angela M. Davis Real Estate-Better Homes and Gardens RE Executive Partners
Armour Brothers Farms
Bee Southern
Boys & Girls Clubs of the CSRA - Washington-Wilkes Club
Bruce Holes, DMD - Family Dental Care
Callaway Heating & Cooling
Chic Events & Creative Design
Creating Waves Salon
Creative Kidz Korner
Colonial Builders Supplies
Country Financial
Denard Farms, LLC
Denard Offroad
Divine Care Children's Center
Double D Maintenance
Erick V. Pagan, DMD - Pagan Affinity Dentistry
F&M Bank
Family Connection-Wilkes County Community Partnership
Fievet Pharmacy
Garrett Farms
Ingles
La Cabana Mexican Restaurante
Maddy's Public House
McDonald's
Moore Farms
Nationwide Builders
Noble Creatures Veterinary Services
Pagan Affinity Dentistry
Pizza Hut
Pruitt Health
Queen of Beauty
Relyant Communications
Ryll Equipment Company
Shedd Farms
Southern Manor
The Connely Gallery
Urgent MD/MedNow
Washington-Wilkes Animal Shelter
Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce
Washington-Wilkes Elementary School
Washington-Wilkes Middle School
Washington-Wilkes Middle School Nutrition Department
Washington-Wilkes Primary School
Washington-Wilkes Parks & Recreation-Pete Gartrell Community Center
Wills Memorial Hospital
Wilkes County EMS/EMA
Wilkes County Head Start School
Wilkes County Schools Plant Operations Department
Wilkes County Schools Transportation Department
Wilkes County Veterinary Service
Wilkes County Young Farmers
Wilkes Eye Center
Wright & Jones Funeral Home
Yancey Bros. Co.
For more information about the Work-Based Learning program, please contact:
DR. ALICIA FINNELL
Work-Based Learning Coordinator
Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education Director
706-678-2426
finnella@wilkes.k12.ga.us