Work Experience

Class Overview

What do you want to be when you grow up? Work Experience Education (WEX) provides lessons and assignments designed to focus your attention on YOUR career exploration and planning. While still in school, this 1-semester class offers you the opportunity to develop skills and attitudes for successful employment through part-time paid employment. Work situations are approved for educational value and are supervised and evaluated by both the Work Experience Coordinator and the employer. At the end of this course, you will have all the tools and practices needed to join the workforce.

Work Experience (a year-long class) meets weekly during 7th period on Thursdays and the first day of a new semester.

Job Requirements

  1. Your employer must pay at least minimum wage.

  2. The job should last for the entire school term.

  3. Your employer must provide Workers Compensation Insurance.

  4. All phases of the job must conform to current labor laws regarding the number of hours of employment, type of work performed, and working conditions.

  5. Dangerous/Hazardous jobs such as newspaper delivery, solicitation, telemarketing, business conducted out of a private residence, domestic housework, lawn/yard work, self-employment, and wages paid in cash DO NOT qualify for WEX.

  6. You must work at least 10 hours a week.

Loss or change of job

If you plan to change employers, if you quit or if you change your job for any reason, you must immediately notify your Work Experience Coordinator. Failure to abide by this policy may result in your dismissal from Work Experience with loss of credit and a grade of “F”. Obtaining a new job means you will have to complete a new Work Permit.

Jobs that DO NOT Qualify for WEX

  • Dangerous/Hazardous jobs

  • Delivery

  • Solicitation

  • Telemarketing

  • Business conducted out of a private residence

  • Domestic housework

  • Lawn/yard work

  • Self-employment

  • Wages paid in cash

WEX Work Permits 1-sheet

General Work Permit Information - http://www.egusd.net/about/district/policiesproceduresnotices/ (scroll down to work permits)

Student Responsibilities

  • attend weekly classroom instruction for the FULL hour (required by state law)

  • be prepared with assignments, documentation, and a positive attitude

  • contact the instructor as soon as possible to arrange a make-up class session IF you must miss class (3 absences are grounds for removal from the course).

  • actively participate in class discussions

Teacher Responsibilities

  • be available via email, Remind, and after class for questions and concerns

  • develop relevant curriculum for the current job market

  • be flexible with unforeseen issues and open to suggestions/modifications of assignments

  • provide weekly feedback on assignments/assessments in class and Synergy

  • have a positive attitude in class

  • support and help protect your rights as an employee

Want to apply for WEX?

To qualify for WEX you must...

  1. Be a senior (or going into your senior year)

  2. Have a valid job

  3. Work at least 10 hours a week

  4. Have good attendance

  5. Have good academic standing (2.0 in the prior term and no F grades)

How to apply

Contact your school counselor for course selection options.

Resources