Business Partnership Opportunities

Donaldson Career Center seeks to bridge classrooms with learning that occurs on the job. We welcome local businesses to speak to our classes, conduct in-class demos and workshops, recruit at our events, and to partner with students one-on-one by providing on-the-job training to our work-based learners. We have programs in manufacturing & technology, as well as human services:

Q&A about being a Work-Based Learning partner

What does it mean to be a WBL partner?

A business that becomes a partner with Donaldson Career Center will have access to skilled students from any of our programs to fill part-time, paid jobs with suitable hours.

When can the WBL students work?

Many of our advanced students may be able to substitute afternoon (or morning) class time for the job during their second year, and they can work nights or weekends if they wish. Third year students can come back to work four days a week, but most second year students go out 2-3 days.

What kind of students would I be getting?

Students come from Greenville Senior High Academy, Southside High School, Woodmont High School, and Greenville Early College. Many programs build towards certifications, so employers get students with background knowledge and needed criteria, like Serv Safe Certification or OSHA-10. These students are vetted to ensure they meet attendance, grades and behavior requirements, and can only participate if recommended by the instructor.

Why become a WBL partner?

Our local businesses enjoy the opportunity to gain access to our pre-skilled students early. Getting them early in their career allows you to save time on basic knowledge review, train them in your company's way of work and culture, and saves on recruitment since you are creating an opportunity for a seamless transition into full-time work.

What are the requirements for the business?

All businesses are vetted and onboarded by the WBL Coordinator, including an on-site visit, completion of simple paperwork, and completion of a Level II background check on the immediate supervisor. This supervisor must complete one evaluation each semester, once 40 hours of work has been completed.

Anything else I should know?

Yes! There's always more to learn about our students, so we welcome you to come visit Donaldson and see for yourself! Additionally, all of DCC's students will have completed OSHA-10 training, you are not required to keep or hire a student, or provide opportunities if you do not currently have openings, and the WBL Coordinator is here to support you and the student throughout the experience. Let's talk!