WHAT IS IT?
Work-based learning is an opportunity to gain work experience while also learning academic and technical skills.
Recent research, policy literature, and federal legislation suggest that comprehensive WBL programs contain three key components: the alignment of classroom and workplace learning; application of academic, technical, and employability skills in a work setting; and support from classroom or workplace mentors.
For employers, work-based learning (WBL) is a flexible, hands-on workforce development strategy that allows you to train and evaluate potential talent before making a hiring decision. By partnering with Tongue Point Job Corps program, your business hosts students or trainees in a real or simulated work environment, giving them practical experience that reinforces their classroom instruction.
Core components
Real-world application: WBL helps learners connect theoretical knowledge with the practical demands of a job.
Diverse activities: The experience can be tailored to your business's needs, from low-commitment options like job shadowing to long-term programs like paid internships and apprenticeships.
Structured training plan: Work with the program provider to create a formal training plan that aligns with your company's skill needs and the student's learning goals.
On-the-job mentorship: Your employees act as mentors, guiding students through meaningful job tasks and providing direct supervision and feedback.
Continuous evaluation: Performance is evaluated to ensure the student is gaining skills and meeting your expectations.
Key benefits for your business
Build a talent pipeline: WBL provides a reliable source of pre-screened, motivated, and well-trained future employees.
"Try before you hire": Assess a candidate's skills, work ethic, and cultural fit in a low-risk environment before committing to full-time employment.
Reduce hiring costs: Lower your recruitment and onboarding costs by building relationships with promising candidates who are already familiar with your company's culture and processes.
Customize training: Directly influence the curriculum of a training program to ensure students develop the exact skills your industry and business require.
Increase employee retention: Candidates who complete a WBL program often have higher retention rates because they are better aligned with the company from day one.
Develop current employees: Your existing employees can build their mentorship and leadership skills by acting as supervisors and coaches.
Boost brand reputation: Strengthen your company's image as a community leader invested in developing the local workforce.
Types of work-based learning
The specific type of WBL can be adapted based on the required skill level and time commitment.
Observational activities (low commitment)
Job shadowing: A student observes an experienced employee to understand daily tasks and the overall work environment.
Informational interviews: Students meet with professionals to learn about their career paths and the industry.
Workplace tours: Groups of students visit a business to get a general overview of its operations.
Hands-on experiences (moderate to high commitment)
Internships: Students gain hands-on experience by performing entry-level tasks for a limited time, which can be either paid or unpaid. An informal work experience, where student gain skills while working under education guidance; developing soft and hard skills, personal and professional growth; and a caring, emotional connection.
This means that comprehensive WBL experiences: promote student engagement through mentorship from supervisors, instructors, and WBL coordinators; allow students to develop relationships with industry and community professionals; students are monitored and evaluated by workplace supervisors, classroom instructors, or WBL coordinators.
Partnering with educational and workforce programs offers a structured, streamlined, and low-risk pathway for employers to implement Work-Based Learning (WBL). These organizations act as intermediaries, connecting your business with a pipeline of pre-screened talent and providing the support infrastructure needed for a successful program.
JOB CORPS’ WORK BASED LEARNING INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
BENEFITS EMPLOYERS, STUDENTS,
THE COMMUNITY AND TPJCC.
EMPLOYER WBL BENEFITS
1. Gives local employers input to improve training
2. Builds a pool of skilled workers
3. Teaches soft skills so employers don’t have to
4. Lowers recruitment costs for employers
5. Can reduce training/recruiting costs
6. Saves money recruiting from external sources
7. Less turnover
8. Provides a higher productivity from well trained workforce
9. Fosters involvement in the trade curriculum
10. Improves employee retention
11. Provides pool of potential employees
12. Provides a community service
13. Establishes a connection between industry professionals and education providers
14. Develops a good relationship between worksite mentors and students
15. Provides potential skilled and motivated employees
16. Fresh ideas from energized enthusiastic students
17. High retention rates
18. Test drive the talent & audition potential applicants
19. Enhance prospective
20. Low cost labor
21. Closes the skills gap
STUDENT WBL BENEFITS
1. Connects classroom learning to the real world
2. Gives students opportunities to practice skills in real-world scenarios
3. Helps students develop soft skills
4. Gives students a chance to observe professionals in action
5. Helps student network with potential employers
6. Helps students hone their technical and critical thinking skills
7. Helps students develop crucial career readiness skills like professionalism, teamwork, communication & initiative
8. Increases employment changes
9. Increases earning levels
10. Increases work satisfaction
11. Less likely to drop out of their vocational training
12. Develops flexibility and mobility
13. Develops the likeliness of lifelong learning, advance trainings and upgrading of skills throughout life
14. The focus is on hands on skills needed for the trade
15. Prepares student for job search
16. Gain practical job experience
17. Enter workforce faster
18. Learn in a smaller environment and connect with mentor
19. Realize the relevance of their education and how to apply knowledge in meaningful way
20. Increased self confidence
21. Acquire real workplace experience and employability skills
22. Provides a real-world learning environment to develop abilities
23. Develop an understanding of employment opportunities and responsibilities
24. Development of positive attitudes and work habits
25. Development marketable skills
26. Opportunity to apply classroom learning to actual trade work
27. Provides real life interaction with other employees and the human factor in employment
28. Creates opportunity for career exploration within a trade
29. Learn industry skills that align with real workforce needs
30. Students get equipped with more than just trade skills (soft skills)
31. Understand that education and skills needed to secure jobs and be successful employee
32. Enhances resume
33. Gain understanding of workplace norms
COMMUNITY WBL BENEFITS
1. Saved expenses for social benefits such as unemployment
2. Increases in tax income from higher earnings
3. Externalities from productivity gained due to better education
4. Creates an environment of collaboration and cooperation
5. Builds confidence in TPJCC and the community as results are observable
6. Encourages respect and tolerance between different groups
7. Provides an effective way of helping students become productive citizens in the community
8. Increases the economics health of the region as students help employers meet the need for skilled workers
TPJCC WBL BENEFITS
1. Brings employers and TPJCC together in a training effort to develop a strong trade program
2. Enhances the ability to meet the needs of a diverse student population
3. Makes education and training more relevant and valuable to students
4. Promotes TPJCC/instructor interaction with the business community
5. Increases relevant trade-based learning by clarifying career goals and practicable means of reaching them
6. Bridges the gap between trade training and the work world
NATIONAL MISSION
Job Corps’ mission is to educate and train highly-motivated young people for successful careers in the nation’s fastest-growing industries.
OUR CENTER'S MISSION
At Tongue Point Job Corps Center, we support the Job Corps program’s mission to teach eligible young people the skills they need to become employable and independent and place them in meaningful jobs or further education.
Video Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/TPJCPlayList
Virtual tour: http://tonguepoint.jobcorps.gov
Job Corps:
https://www.jobcorps.gov/explore
Advanced Training:
https://jcadvancedtraining.com/
About Job Corps
Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training program that helps young people ages 16 through 24 improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training. Career training includes programs like Building Construction Technology, Carpentry, Certified Medical Assistant, Computer Service Technician, Cement Mason, Dental Assistant, Electrical, Glazing, Painting, Plastering, Seamanship, and Welding.
Tongue Point Job Corps is a residential program where students receive free room and board while they learn skills in specific training areas for up to three years. In addition to helping students complete their education, obtain career technical skills and gain employment, Job Corps also provides transitional support services, such as help finding employment, housing, child care, and transportation. Job Corps graduates either enter the workforce or an apprenticeship, go on to higher education, or join the military.
Students can earn a high school diploma or the equivalent, and college credits. Tongue Point Job Corps is a residential program that offers tuition-free training, housing, meals, basic health care, a living allowance, and career transition assistance.
LIVE Benefits & Campus Life
LEARN Academic Classes
TRAIN Careers & Training
CONNECT Graduate Support
Mission Employable
Careers Begin Here