Work-Based Learning Legal and Safety Plan

Prepared by: Lilly Hanley
Program Area: Career and Technical Education – Skilled And Technical Sciences
School/District: [Your School or District Name]

I. Purpose and Philosophical Foundation

Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a vital component of a high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. It provides students with the opportunity to apply academic and technical knowledge in real-world settings while building essential employability skills. WBL supports student career development, fosters deeper engagement in learning, and prepares students to meet workforce demands with confidence and competence.

My philosophy of high-quality CTE is grounded in five core principles: real-world learning, differentiated instruction, industry alignment, performance-based assessment, and ongoing professional development. These beliefs, supported by the ACTE Quality Program of Study Framework and SkillsUSA’s Framework, guide the design and implementation of WBL experiences in my program.

II. Planned Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Students will engage in a continuum of WBL experiences, increasing in intensity and responsibility as they progress:

• Career exploration activities (e.g., guest speakers, virtual industry tours)

• Job shadowing

• Mentorships with industry professionals

• School-based enterprises

• Industry-sponsored competitions (e.g., Kimmel Conveyor Belt Challenge)

• Paid and unpaid internships (e.g., Kawasaki Summer Welding opportunity)

• Worksite placements with structured expectations and supervision

• Each WBL opportunity is aligned with students’ career goals and Individual Career and Academic Plans (ICAPs).

III. Student Safety – Preventative Measures

• Ensuring student safety is a top priority in all WBL activities. Preventative strategies include:

• Pre-placement safety training for all students, including tool use, worksite behavior, and emergency procedures.

• Worksite evaluations using a standardized safety checklist.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided and used as required by the worksite and program standards.

• Student orientation sessions reviewing professional expectations, confidentiality, harassment policies, and workplace conduct.

• Signed student safety contracts confirming understanding of expectations.

• Transportation review, ensuring safe travel for off-site experiences.

IV. Legal Considerations and Liability Planning

• Legal responsibility and protection for all stakeholders are managed through:

• Training Agreements signed by students, parents/guardians, school personnel, and employers, clearly outlining roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

• Parental Consent Forms for all off-campus WBL activities.

• Coordination with school legal counsel and administration to ensure compliance with district insurance policies.

• Verification of employer liability coverage and adherence to federal/state labor laws, including child labor restrictions and nondiscrimination policies.

• ADA and Title IX compliance in all placements to ensure equitable access.

V. Supervision and Ongoing Monitoring

• To maintain the quality and safety of the WBL experience, the following measures will be in place:

• Assigned WBL coordinator or CTE staff member responsible for supervising placements.

• Scheduled site visits and regular check-ins with students and employers.

• Weekly student reflection logs or engineering journals documenting learning progress, concerns, and feedback.

• Employer evaluations conducted mid-placement and post-placement.

• Student debriefing sessions to reflect on performance and connect the experience to future goals.

• Documentation from all WBL activities will be maintained in student folders or digital portfolios for accountability and program evaluation.

VI. Supporting Documents (Available at nebraskaworkplaceexperiences.com and customized for local use)

• Student WBL Safety Agreement

• Parent/Guardian Permission Form

• Employer Training Agreement

• Worksite Safety Checklist

• Student Weekly Reflection Log Template

• Employer Evaluation Form

• CTE Instructor Site Visit Checklist
  
  

VII. Conclusion

WBL experiences transform classroom learning into meaningful, applied career preparation. Through structured, safe, and legally compliant opportunities, students gain the technical and professional competencies they need to succeed in postsecondary education and the workforce. This plan reflects my commitment to maintaining high standards, promoting equity, and continuously improving the quality of student experiences in alignment with the ACTE High-Quality CTE Framework and the expectations of the Nebraska Department of Education.