Overview
The Work-Based Learning (WBL) program at WCC provides third-year students with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained during two years of technical instruction in real-world settings. Students work a minimum of 15 hours per week in positions directly related to their chosen career pathway while participating in monthly seminar meetings that reinforce employability skills, workplace expectations, and the connection between classroom learning and industry practice. Each placement is guided by a formal training plan developed collaboratively by the instructor, employer, and student to ensure alignment with program standards and learning outcomes. In addition, a training agreement outlines the responsibilities of all parties, ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements and protecting both the student and employer. The WBL program strengthens regional partnerships, meets Indiana diploma requirements, and prepares students for successful transition to postsecondary education or high-wage employment.
You Will Learn:
- Participate in on-the-job training
- Learn about money and time management
- Complete education and career plans
- Build upon skills and knowledge in your chosen career path
- Earn money for the work you perform
A Typical Schedule:
- Student goes to the workplace and works for an employer 5 days a week.
- Student completes meaningful tasks that develop job skills.
- Student submits weekly time sheets and other required Google Classroom work
- Student attends class 1 day per month to meet with the teacher and complete related work.
- Student must successfully complete classroom & work portions of the experience to remain enrolled.
Next Steps
Upon completing this program, you may remain at the businesses where you have gained work experience through the program, move on to other employment, and/or continue your education at the postsecondary level in 2 or 4-year degree programs.
Benefits to Businesses
- Helps businesses grow their future workforce.
- Reduces training and orientation costs when hiring WBL students after graduation.
- Builds a strong talent pipeline for long-term staffing needs.
- Recognizes and promotes businesses for partnering with WCC.
- Strengthens relationships between schools and the community.
- Encourages young adults to remain and build their careers in the local area.
Program Completion Evaluation
After completing the Work-Based Learning program, students are evaluated on technical and essential skills. The Technical Skills Evaluation documents the WBL skills learned. The Essential Skills Evaluation documents the workplace skills all WCC students should learn. The documents were developed by WCC teachers, in cooperation with their industry advisory committees, and are updated each year.
Work-Based Learning Technical Skills Evaluation
WCC Essential Skills Evaluation
