Work-Based Learning/Youth Apprenticeship
Student Handbook
2015-2016
Work-Based Learning Coordinators:
Mrs. Sue Wray- Cedartown High School
Mrs. Kim Wilson- Rockmart High School
Youth Apprenticeship Facilitator:
Mrs. Gina Reilly- Polk County
ATTENDANCE POLICIES AND RECORDS
The Work-Based Learning experience is designed to instill the importance of positive work habits and attitudes both on the job and in the classroom.
You must assume responsibility for regular attendance at your school and your worksite
If you do not attend school you cannot report to the job site unless previously approved by the Work-Based Learning Coordinator.
YOUR ATTENDANCE WILL AFFECT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR CREDIT.
YOU ARE AN EMPLOYEE OF THE BUSINESS and you must follow the same rules as other employees.
· If you are sick and cannot attend work, you MUST call your mentor/supervisor BEFORE you are scheduled to begin work that day. You should always carry your mentor’s number with you.
· If you know you will be unable to attend work in advance, for example, you must take a test at school, let your mentor know well in advance why you are going to be absent and the day you will be absent.
· We STRONGLY encourage you to schedule all doctor and dentist appointments outside of your work hours, however, should you have an appointment, let your mentor/supervisor know PRIOR to the day of the appointment.
· If you are absent due to a death in the family, you must call or have someone else call your mentor and instructor.
· Unexpected absences are considered to be evidence of undesirable work behavior and are STRONGLY discouraged.
· No show to work, without a phone call and/or prior approval can get you fired and removed from the WBL Program.
School attendance will be kept by the student signing out in the WBL Coordinator’s office DAILY! Students may not sign out early or for someone else. If the student does not sign out, he/she will be counted absent.
WBL students are to be off campus after signing out unless special permission is given by the WBL Coordinator.
Worksite attendance will be documented by the student turning in copies of their pay stubs. If the student has an unpaid position (internship), they are required to have their monthly wage and hour report signed by their mentor/supervisor.
Assessment of Competencies
During the first 60 days of the semester, the student will receive an individualized Training Plan specific to their worksite. They will be rated by their employer on their current technical skill level. The WBL Coordinator will review the results of the assessment with the student and work with CTAE Instructors for any improvements necessary. The employer will review the results of the assessment with the student and work with the student and WBL Coordinator to address any improvements necessary. Follow up assessments will be taken to measure gains made in skills and abilities of the student.
General Employment Traits
Work-Based Learning students are expected to demonstrate good work ethics and general employability traits. Students will be evaluated during the semester on general employment traits by their employer. For example, teamwork, quality work, honesty, etc. The WBL Coordinator will review the evaluations with the student and devise a plan to work on any traits that need improvement.
General Employment Traits are also addressed in assignments throughout the semester.
· GA Best Assignments
· Monthly Online Blog Assignment
· Other projects/Portfolio
Behavior and Attitudes at School and on the Worksite
Work-Based Learning students are expected to demonstrate exceptional behavior at school and on the worksite.
*Participation in this program means that your work site is an extension of the classroom. Think of your job site as a remote lab environment. To participate in work-based learning, you must demonstrate acceptable behavior at school and at the worksite. You are expected to follow the standards of behavior of your local school system as well as those of the employer.*
TIPS FOR SUCCEEDING ON THE JOB
Listed below are some tips that will help you succeed on the job:
• Be neat and clean.
• Dress appropriately for the work environment.
• Be friendly and courteous.
• Keep yourself occupied at all times. If you have a job to do—do it. If you don’t have something to do, ask your supervisor/mentor.
• If you have a work related problem, it is your responsibility to talk with your mentor/supervisor first. If the problems continue consult with your WBL Coordinator.
• If you have a problem with school and assignments, it is your responsibility to talk with your teacher immediately and then let your WBL Coordinator know.
• Take criticism without resentment and learn from constructive criticism.
• Don’t make excuses. Chronic excuse makers are rarely believed.
• Give your best effort at all times. Remember, your job is important, and in today’s economy there are plenty of adults that need the jobs you have been given.
• You are entitled to respect on your job. Your mentor/supervisor and your fellow workers are also entitled to respect. Give the same courtesy you expect in return.
• Always notify your mentor/supervisor if you are going to be absent. Attendance at school and work is a must.
• Ask questions if you do not understand instructions or if you need more information to do your job.
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!
INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERACTING WITH AUTHORITY
The relationship you have with your mentor/supervisor will be one of the most important relationships you will have during your Work-Based Learning experience. Applying the guidelines you’ve already read and the advice below will help you have the best possible relationship with your mentor/supervisor.
• Always treat your mentor/supervisor with courtesy and respect
• If you need something, ask for it, don’t demand it.
• Accept constructive criticism –
Listen to it –
Learn from it –
Don’t feel put down
Constructive criticism is meant to help you improve your future work performance. It is an important part of working. If you accept what is being said, you can learn what to do the next time.
HANDLING PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
• Personal calls during work hours are not allowed.
• Socializing is limited to break time and lunch.
• Visiting fellow students during work hours is not permitted.
FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Performing your duties correctly will help you achieve success on the job. Responsible workers have learned that following all instructions from their mentors or fellow workers completely and accurately guarantees that the job will be done right!
Follow these steps:
• LISTEN
Concentrate on the instructions you are receiving. Pay attention to the details, they will be important when you are completing the task. Look at the person while listening.
• TAKE NOTES
Write down important details as you receive your instructions. You can refer to your notes as you complete the task.
• ASK QUESTIONS
Be sure you understand the instructions. If you don’t, ask your mentor/supervisor to repeat them or explain them further. You can be sure that your mentor would rather repeat instructions than have you repeat a task if it is not done correctly!
• FOLLOW YOUR INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY
Don’t try to create a short cut by leaving a step out. The task may not make sense to you, but if you follow the instructions exactly, you’ll get it done correctly.
COURTESY
Showing courtesy to both your supervisor and your fellow workers will make a difference. Remember these easy guidelines:
• Be courteous to fellow workers and others.
• Always say “please” and “thank you.”
• Make courtesy a habit.
• Treat co-workers, patients, customers, and/or clients with respect and sensitivity.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PERSONAL DRESS AND APPEARANCE
A professional appearance says a lot about who you are and where you want to be. You might not work at this part-time job for long, but you will make new contacts that could help you in the future.
It is called NETWORKING. Make a good impression! It’s easy to maintain a professional look at all times at the workplace if you follow these guidelines:
• Dress appropriately at the worksite. Ask if there is a specific dress code and follow it. Many
businesses are now requesting student workers with NO body piercings (other than ears) and NO
tattoos.
• Keep your hair well groomed and in an appropriate style.
• If you have a uniform, keep it clean and pressed.
• Keep make-up, perfume and jewelry to a minimum.
In general, do NOT wear the following items at the workplace: Hats, shorts, miniskirts, sheer or low-cut blouses, tank tops, spandex, and cropped blouses that show your stomach or back.
(jeans may or may not be appropriate - depending on the jobsite)
Collaboration with Worksite Mentor and/or Supervisor
What is a mentor? “Mentor” was the name of a loyal friend and advisor of Odysseus in Greek Mythology and the teacher of Odysseus’ son. The term mentor has become associated with assistance to an individual. It is commonplace to hear mentor described as a teacher, friend, advocate, trainer, coach, role model, and developer of talent. A worksite mentor can play an important part in assisting an apprentice in developing the skill and competency required for success in the workforce. With this thought in mind, the following is information to help you understand the role of your mentor.
An integral part of the Work-Based Learning is a supportive adult, referred to as a mentor, who is linked with the Work-Based Learning student. It may be your supervisor or your supervisor may delegate someone else to be your mentor. A mentor provides guidance and encouragement to the Work-Based Learning student as well as being involved in the teaching of work tasks and job responsibilities to the student.
Many different individuals may be involved in teaching a Work-Based Learning student or a single person may take on the entire responsibility depending upon the size of the business. In either case, one individual in a business is usually designated as the mentor.
A mentor is a friend, a counselor, a tutor, a coach, a supervisor, someone you can trust.
This may be the first job for many for you, and you are unsure of what is required of you at your work site. Your mentor will be there to answer questions, and encourage you so that you can succeed on the job.
Communication is very important. If you do not understand directions or are unclear about certain information you are encouraged to ask questions. Share information about yourself with your mentor. Your mentor wants to get to know you and your goals for the future. Like a coach, your mentor can train you for success in the world of work.
Questions about your work site?
ASK YOUR MENTOR FIRST. You may then be directed to contact another person in the office. Your mentor will explain rules and safety standards and show you how to operate equipment needed to perform your job duties.
EVALUATION
The WBL Coordinator will meet with your worksite mentor and/or supervisor at least twice per semester to assess your progress on the worksite. Your Mentor and/or Supervisor will complete at least 2 evaluations per semester on your performance at the worksite. These evaluations will count as 50% of your grade in the WBL program. In addition to the above, the WBL Coordinator and mentor and/or supervisor may contact each other at any time during the semester concerning your performance and progress on the worksite. The following form is a sample of how you will be evaluated. In addition, you will also be evaluated on your individual on the job skills and performance as well as skills and performance relating to the GeorgiaBEST Soft Skills Standards.
SAMPLE
EVALUATION FORM FOR GENERAL EMPLOYMENT TRAITS
Student Progress Report
Student: ______Employer: ______Date:______Due Date:______
School:______Evaluation Period Ending: ______
Directions: Please evaluate the student-employee as fairly as possible and as compared with workers with the same experience. Circle the number for each statement that most accurately reflects the student’s performance in that category.
Category / Excellent (A) / Above Average (B) / Average (C) / Below Average (D) / Unsatisfactory (F)Produces quality work / 10 / 9-8-7 / 6-5-4 / 3-2-1 / 0
Reports to work promptly when scheduled / 10 / 9-8-7 / 6-5-4 / 3-2-1 / 0
Uses time wisely / 10 / 9-8-7 / 6-5-4 / 3-2-1 / 0
Demonstrates honesty and integrity / 10 / 9-8-7 / 6-5-4 / 3-2-1 / 0
Demonstrates responsible behavior / 10 / 9-8-7 / 6-5-4 / 3-2-1 / 0
Cooperates with others / 10 / 9-8-7 / 6-5-4 / 3-2-1 / 0
Responds to feedback constructively / 10 / 9-8-7 / 6-5-4 / 3-2-1 / 0
Uses/maintains materials and equipment appropriately / 10 / 9-8-7 / 6-5-4 / 3-2-1 / 0
Follows company policies / 10 / 9-8-7 / 6-5-4 / 3-2-1 / 0
Maintains appropriate personal appearance / 10 / 9-8-7 / 6-5-4 / 3-2-1 / 0
General Comments: ______
Training Supervisor: ______(signature)
Work-Based Learning Coordinator: ______(signature)
Discussion with student held on______
Student______(signature)
STUDENT COPY
POLK COUNTY COLLEGE AND CAREER ACADEMY
Cedartown High School
Sue Wray/WBL Coordinator
Rockmart High School
Kim Wilson/WBL Coordinator
Gina Reilly/Youth Apprenticeship Facilitator- Polk County
WORK-BASED LEARNING TRAINING AGREEMENT
Student Name
______
Parent/Guardian Name
______
Employing Company Name
______
Employing Company Address
______
Employing Company Supervisor’s Name
______
Work Phone Number
______
Work-Based Coordinator’s Name
______
The Student Agrees:
1. To be at least 16 years of age and to have a Social Security number.
2. To secure a work-permit if under 18 years of age and to file a copy with the school office, state Department of Labor, and the employer. Work permits can be obtained from the school office and must be documented with a birth certificate.