Career Skills Development 

Career Skills Development

Lawrence Township Public Schools 

What is Career Readiness?

Career Readiness means that by the end of high school, students will learn and gain more than just  academic skills, but real-world employability skills. These skills will be both technical skills  necessary for a specific job  function as well as 21st Century  employability skills, like interpersonal skills, creativity and  innovation, work ethics and  personal responsibility, global and social awareness. By having the opportunity to learn and master these skills, high school graduates will become more well-rounded candidates for a  successful career. 

Source: Final Report of the  NJDOE College and Career  Readiness Task Force (April 2012)

What is Work Based  Learning? 

Work Based Learning  (formerly known as Structured Learning  Experience "SLE") provides  students with real-world opportunities to practice  Career Readiness skills.  Students will be working in the school via simulated environments as well as  outside the classroom in  local businesses. WBL  allows students to gain  hands-on and in-depth  opportunities to work in  various career fields, while expanding on our  classroom curriculum and instruction.  

Source: Perkins V: The Official Guide to  the Strengthening Career and  Technical Education for the 21st Century  Act. 

Purpose of WBL 

Through Career Readiness and Work Based Learning, students will have the opportunity to participate in career counseling, work readiness training and fully integrated work experiences in a school setting or out in the community. These services are delivered while still in high school and establish the foundation for a seamless transition to individualized training, education, and employment.

Student Benefits: 

■ Explore and learn about various career fields to make more informed decisions about career goals and the education they need to reach those goals. 

■ Establish and network with professionals in various  

career fields. 

■ Increase motivation/appreciation for staying in school and pursuing postsecondary education and/or career opportunities. 

■ Observe the demeanor and procedures of workplace  

professionals

■ Develop/practice positive work-related habits and attitudes including the  ability to think critically, solve problems, work in  teams, and resolve issues.

■ Students who have experienced failure in classroom-based  education often thrive in a more practical and hands-on learning oriented program.