Work-Based Learning is a program within the Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Department that provides students with the opportunity to learn a variety of skills by expanding the classroom into the community and narrowing the gap between theory and practice through rigorous academic preparation with hands-on career development experiences. Through WBL experiences, students are afforded the opportunity to connect classroom instruction to the world of work and future career opportunities.

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.

One of our work-based learning program goals is to benefit students, as well as employers and our community!

HOW DO STUDENTS BENEFIT?

• Exposure to various career opportunities

• Earn high school credit

• Connection between educational and work experiences

• Promotion of self-confidence at school and work

• Expansion and refinement of their technical skills

• Development and practice of positive work-related habits and attitudes such as responsibility, critical thinking, problem-solving and team work

HOW DO EMPLOYERS BENEFIT?

• Skilled, motivated, and pre-screened employees

• Ability to provide students with a better understanding of a career field

• Opportunity to influence student development to meet industry requirements

• Expanded pool of qualified applicants

• Opportunity to provide meaningful contribution and/or partnership with local school/system

• Potential to earn Worker’s Compensation Insurance Discounts (GA HB 402)

HOW DOES THE COMMUNITY BENEFIT?

• Development of a skilled work force

• Enhanced youth employability

• Economic growth through an expanded skilled workforce and taxpayer base

For more information on Work-Based Learning, please contact David Shepard at (478) 960-3445 or david.shepard@crawfordschools.org

Currently we have 48 students in the WBL/YAP program working at 26 various places of employment. Some of these may include COOP students (paid), Internship students (unpaid), Employability Skills Development Students (paid, but not directly tied to the student's pathway), or Youth Apprenticeship students (paid and earning a credential). Students must be a Junior or Senior, be on track to graduate, maintain a 2.0 GPA, and have room in their schedule. We currently have students enrolled in WBL during all class periods except for 3rd period.

Youth Apprenticeship is a structured combination of school-based and work-based learning. Through a coordinated effort involving business and industry, Youth Apprenticeship addresses the dual role of preparing students for the world of work and providing Georgia with a highly skilled, technologically competitive workforce. A student participating in the Youth Apprenticeship Program receives an education that is both academically challenging and relevant to employment in today’s economy. The program enables a student to receive a high school diploma, a post-secondary certificate or degree, and certification of industry-recognized competencies applicable to employment in a high-skilled occupation.

For more information please visit the Georgia Department of Education Youth Apprenticeship Program page here.