Hoke County Schools

• application of classroom learning (both academic and technical) in real-world setting

• establishment of a clear connection between school and work

• assessment of their interests, aptitudes and abilities while learning about the career possibilities available to them

• improvement of their postgraduation employment opportunities

• development and practice of positive work-related habits and attitudes including the ability to think critically, solve problems, work in teams, and resolve issues

• assessment and understanding of the expectations of the workplace

• establishment of professional contacts for future employment

• expansion and refinement of their technical skills

• participation in authentic, job-related tasks

• observation of the demeanor and procedures of workplace professionals

• increased motivation/appreciation for staying in school

• awareness of postsecondary education opportunities

Employers benefit from work-based learning through:

• a pool of skilled and motivated potential future employees

• improved employee retention

• reduced training/recruitment costs

• developmental opportunities for a current workforce

• development of new projects with student assistance

• involvement in the curriculum development process

• an opportunity to provide community service

Schools benefit from work-based learning through:

• expanding the curriculum and learning facilities

• exposing students to state-of-the-art equipment, technology, and techniques

• meeting the needs of diverse student populations

• individualizing instruction for students

• promoting and fostering faculty interaction with the business community

• enhancing faculty/staff development efforts

• making education more relevant and valuable to students

• increasing student retention rates in schools

• reducing overcrowding by utilizing off-campus learning sites

• providing an alternative to building additional classrooms and laboratories to accommodate growth

The community benefits from work-based learning through:

• creating an environment of collaboration and cooperation among the school, the employers, and the community

• encouraging respect, tolerance, and understanding among different groups

• contributing to building a more productive local economy

• fostering confidence in the school system as practical and beneficial results are observed

All career and technical education courses in North Carolina offer work-based learning opportunities for students. Course recommendations for work-based learning opportunities are highlighted at the bottom of each of the course descriptions.

• Apprenticeship: a system of skilled occupational training that combines practical work experiences with related academic and technical instruction.

• Business and Industry Field Trip: a short-term visit to a business or agency expands the learning opportunities for participating students.

• Cooperative Education: a method of instruction where technical classroom instruction is combined with paid employment that is directly related to the classroom instruction.

• Entrepreneurial Experiences: involves students developing knowledge and proficiency in running a business. Students gains work-place skills and develops and understanding of how to manage a business and is responsible for all risks.

• Internship: a work-based learning experience where a student participates in the daily operations of a work site under the direct supervision of a business mentor.

• Job Shadow: a short-term (usually a half day) educational experience that introduces a student to a particular job or career by pairing the student with an employee of a business, industry, or agency.

• Mentorship: involves pairing a student (mentee or protégé) with a community professional (mentor) in a one-to-one relationship with the intent of providing first-hand experience in a career field/cluster of the student’s choice. 

• School Based Enterprise: a simulated or actual business conducted by a school that creates a student learning experience that creates direct links between the classroom learning and the world of work. 

• Service Learning: a work-based learning strategy that combines community service with career and technical learning goals. Students provide volunteer service to public and non-profit agencies, as well as to civic, charitable, and governmental organizations in the local community.