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Turn classroom learning into real-world experience! Explore internships, apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeships that connect CTE completers or concentrators with local employers, hands-on training, and school credit.
WHY PARTICIPATE?
Gain hands-on experience in your career field.
Earn high school credit while building your resume.
Learn workplace skills that prepare your for success after graduation.
Network with local employers and explore potential career paths.
Strengthen your skills and confidence for college, work, technical training or the military.
Work-Based Learning Experiences: Understanding the Differences:
Work-Based Learning Experiences: Understanding the Differences:
Job Shadowing
Job Shadowing
· Duration: Usually a half-day or full day.
· Purpose: To observe professionals in a real workplace and gain insight into careers.
· Student Involvement: Mostly observational; minimal hands-on tasks.
· Credit/Pay: Typically, none.
Internship
Internship
· Duration: Can last several weeks to months, usually for the duration of the school year; follows a regular schedule.
· Purpose: To give students practical experience and a chance to apply classroom skills in a real-world setting.
· Student Involvement: Students are given meaningful tasks and responsibilities under supervision.
· Credit/Pay: Students earn high school credit; some internships are paid.
Pre-Apprenticeship
Pre-Apprenticeship
· Duration: Often several weeks to a few months.
· Purpose: Pre-Apprenticeship is a program or set of strategies that is designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).
· Student Involvement: Approved curriculum, simulated experience, and more.
· Credit/Pay: Usually non-paid; can sometimes earn school credit.
· Benefit: Helps students meet prerequisites for an apprenticeship, and can give them a leg up in a competitive program.
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship
· Duration: Often one to four years depending on the trade or profession.
· Purpose: A formal program combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
· Student Involvement: Students work alongside experienced professionals, completing progressively more complex tasks.
· Credit/Pay: Paid; may also earn industry-recognized credentials or certifications.
· Benefit: Leads directly to career employment and can count toward postsecondary credits in some programs.
STUDENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT
"During my internship with a psychologist, I helped create mental health flyers. I designed and wrote information to raise awareness about mental wellness. This experience taught me how to communicate important messages clearly. I also learned more about mental health and how to support others." ~Jolie Floding, Psychology major, West Virginia University Class of 2029
"My internship with the prosecutor's office gave me the experience and confidence to pursue a career as an attorney. It provided an invaluable real world foundation for my legal studies. This not only gave me class credit, but has led me to connections, other jobs and immense knowledge of the legal system". ~Maddi Morgan- 2L Class of 2027, University of Akron School of Law
"My internship at Moran Construction really helped me get a foot in the door to my construction career. Being 23 and a project manager/licensed excavation contractor wouldn't have been possible without my internship with them!" John Nicely, WVU Institute of Technology, Class or 2024, Kingdom Overflow Properties
"My internship really solidified my desire to become a zookeeper! The people I met (and still talk to), the events I went to, and the organizations I joined all influenced my future and what I really want to do with my life." ~Hannah Mayo, Zoology major, West Liberty University, Class of 2029
EMPLOYER PARTICIPATION HIGHLIGHTS
Wood County Schools students have interned with local government agencies such as the WVU Extension Office and the Wood County Prosecutors Office, construction firms, local healthcare providers and more- all committed to helping you grow professionally.
"Hosting a student intern provided a valuable opportunity to connect real-world experiences with classroom learning. Our intern brought fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and professionalism to every project, and the experience was mutually rewarding. I highly encourage other organizations to partner with CTE programs — it’s a great way to invest in future talent while supporting your community." ~ Jodi Smith, Extension Associate Professor, WVU, Division of Land-Grant Engagement and 4-H Youth Development
"...During the internship, she demonstrated strong initiative and creativity in developing educational resources for youth and adolescents on topics such as coping skills and emotional wellness. Jolie engaged in thoughtful discussions about mental health career pathways and met with a local Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Although she was unable to shadow client sessions due to privacy and confidentiality requirements, she learned about ethical standards in clinical practice. I was excited to work with Jolie. Overall, Jolie showed maturity, reliability, and a sincere interest in supporting the mental health field. She has a passion to help others, and I am confident that she will be successful as she pursues a career in the mental health field." ~Suzy Zumwale, LPCC, Reasonings and Reflections Counseling
HOW IT WORKS/STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS
Complete at least 1 CTE course
Apply for internships, pre-internships, or apprenticeships using the form on this page.
Meet with the CTE counselor and employer to finalize placement.
Sign internship agreement prior to starting your WBL experience. (web-based form or paper form)
FAQs
Q: Can I be paid during my internship?
A: Yes, some positions are paid; others are unpaid but still earn school credit.
Q: Do I need prior experience?
A: No- placements match your skills and career goals.
Q: Can my internship relate to my future college or career plans?
A: ABSOLUTELY! We priortize placments aligned with your CTE pathway.
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