WBL PORTFOLIO OUTLINE

Cover Sheet and spine insert for the 3‐ring binder

  • Graphic or Unique Design
  • Name
  • Occupation or Career Pathway Related to the WBL Experience
  • Outside spine insert with Name and Place of Employment

Student Handbook

  • Portfolio Information
  • Letter from Mrs. Dixon
  • Grading Procedures
  • Mentor Information
  • Guidelines

EmploymentDocuments

  • Letter of Application
  • Resume
  • List of References
  • Job Application
  • Interview Notes
  • Interview Questions
  • Follow‐up letter

Work-Based Learning Experiences

  • Job Description
  • Photo Journal (give explanations of your pictures)

Career Exploration

  • Interest Inventory
  • Career Information
  • Career Research
  • Individual Career Plan
  • Job Shadow Questions and Pictures
  • Completed College Application or Acceptance Letter

Community Service

  • Description and Pictures

Journal Entries

  • Journal Activities
  • Job Ready Career Skills Activities

Portfolio & Time Sheet Assignments by Year

Month / Assignment / Meeting/
Assignment Due Date
August / Signed Paperwork / August 9
Portfolio Cover Sheet
Journal Activity 1
Time sheets due for August 8-21 / August 24
September / Resume & Letter of Application
Time sheets due for August 22-September 4 / September 7
Job Description
Time sheets due for September 5-18 / September 21
October / Job Application & List of References
Time sheets due for September 19-October 2 / October 5
Interview Guided Notes
Interview Questions & Mock Interview
Time sheets due for October 3-16 / October 19
November / Follow-up Letter
Time sheets due for October17-30 / November 2
Individual Career Plan
Interest Profiler
Time sheets due for October31-November 13 / November 16
Career Research
Time sheets due for November 14-27 / November 30
December / Time sheets due for November 28-December 11 / December 14
January / Signed Paperwork / January 4 (New students only)
Portfolio, Journal Activity 1, Job Description (New students only)
Journal Activity
Time sheets for December 12-25
Time sheets for December 26-January 8 / January 11
Photo Journal
Time sheets for January 9-22 / January 25
February / College Application completed
Time sheets due for January 23-February 5 / February 8
Job Shadow Project
Time sheets due for February 6-19 / February 22
March / Luncheon Etiquette
Time sheets due for February 20-March 5 / March 8
Journal Activity
Time sheets due for March 6-19 / March 22
April / Journal Activity
Time sheets due for March 20-April 2
Time sheets due for April 3-16 / April 19
May / End-of-Year Reflection
Time sheets due for April 17-30 / May 3
Time sheets due for May 1-7 / May 10

**Additional assignments may be added at the discretion of the coordinator. Dates are also subject to change. You will be notified in advance of any changes.

PIERCECOUNTYHIGH SCHOOL

Jan Dixon, Work-Based Learning Coordinator

4850 County Farm Road

Blackshear, GA31516

Phone (912) 449-2073

Dear Student,

Thank you for selecting the WBL Program as part of your last stages of preparation for the world of work on the secondary level. It is going to be a pleasure to have you in the program. With the honor of being a Work-Based Learning student comes a responsibility involving career commitment and continued effort on your part. The fact that you have been selected as an WBL student shows that you are willing to strive for success and build a foundation for your future career.

WBL is made up of a closely knit team that requires all of us working together. Your enthusiasm, willingness to work, and skills were a part of your selection for the team. As your coordinator, I challenge you to develop your knowledge and skills even further this year. Set your goals high for the year and strive for excellence in your work. Both your employer and your coordinator will recognize your hard work throughout the year.

Through Work-Based Learning, classroom learning is combined with work experience. Along the way you will be expected to meet certain standards. Knowing what is expected of you at school and during your worksite experience will help you to succeed, so take the time to read the following pages carefully.

Again, welcome to the WBL Program. I hope that you will gain additional knowledge, skills, and experience to the end goal of expanding your career objectives.

Best wishes as you begin on the new venture. I wish you success and pledge my support in this endeavor.


Sincerely,

Jan Dixon

Work-Based Learning Coordinator

Grading

Grades are an important part of the Work-Based Learning program. In order to help students keep an average that will help them succeed in high school, at work and in PostSecondary school the following guidelines have been established:

  • At the end of each grading period the Work-Based Learning Coordinator will check the students’ grades in all classes.
  • In the event that the student has not maintained a C average or better, the student will be placed on probationary status until the next grading period.
Grading Scale for WBL

Portfolio and Journal Assignments25%

Employer Evaluations/Skills Assessments30%

Work/Wage Information25%

Job Ethics10%

Meetings10%

Failure to successfully complete ALL ASSIGNMENTS may jeopardize future participation in the Work-Based Learning program.

Coordinator Collaboration with Employer

As WBL Coordinator, it is my responsibility to be constantly aware of the WBL student’s success and failures in on‐the‐job activities. Coordination visits will be conducted in two different forms:

  1. Those scheduled ahead of time with the employer or appropriate contact at a work site.
  1. Unannounced drop‐in visits.

During the visit I will note the student’s general understanding of on‐the‐job requirements, dress, grooming, and general appearance. The Employer will be completing evaluation forms throughout the year. I will confer with the employer, supervisor, or mentor on the following:

• Duties and tasks relative to the agreed training plan.

• Student’s performance on assigned responsibilities.

• Punctuality and regularity of attendance.

• Quality and quantity of work expected and performed.

• Student’s attitude toward the job, employer, co‐workers, etc.

• Reaction to criticism.

• Safety conditions.

• Validation of work hours.

• Rewards and/or disciplinary actions.

• Student’s work habits.

• Rotation through different job experiences.

• Preparation for the next job change or advancement.

YOUR MENTOR

What is a 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 of 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. REMEMBER, THE MENTOR IS THERE TO HELP YOU.

How should I interact with authority?

The relationship you have with your mentor 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.

•Always treat your mentor with courtesy and respect

•If you need something, askfor 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.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

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

•your work site on the assigned days

Remember, if you do not attend your high school you cannot report to the job site except by special permission. If you are absent two blocks from school, you will also be counted absent for work-based learning.

YOUR ATTENDANCE WILLAFFECT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR CREDIT.

It is also important in your evaluation by both your mentor and teacher.

YOU MUST GO TO WORK EVERY DAY THAT YOU ARE REOUIRED TO BE IN

ATTENDANCE. You are an employee of the business and your mentor depends on you to be at work everyday. Your mentor assigns you important work everyday, and if you are absent, then that work is not completed. YOU ARE AN EMPLOYEE OF THE BUSINESS PARTNER and you must follow the same rules as other employees.

•If you are sick and cannot attend work, you MUST call your mentor BEFORE you are scheduled to begin work that day. You should always carry your mentor’s number with you. You MUST call me also. My number is 449-2073.

•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 days you will be absent.

•I STRONGLY encourage you to schedule all doctor and dentist appointments outside of your work hours; however, should you have an appointment, let your mentor know PRIOR to the day of the appointment.

•If you must be placed on Hospital Homebound, you will be scheduled into a regular class since you will not be able to attend work

•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:

First Offense- written warning

Second Offense— possible removal from the program

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 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

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 mentor for another task.

•If you have a work related problem, it is your responsibility to talk with your mentor. If the problems continue, consult with your school facilitator or coordinator.

•If you have a problem with school and assignments, it is your responsibility to talk with your school facilitator immediately!

•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.

•You are entitled to respect on your job. Your mentor and your fellow workers are also entitled to respect. Give the same courtesy you expect in return.

•Always notify your mentor if you are going to be absent. Attendance at school and work is a must.

•Ask questions if you do not understand directions or if you need more information to do your job.

•Personal calls during work hours are not allowed.

•Socializing is limited to break time and lunch. Your friends should not “hang out at your place of employment.

•Visiting fellow students during work hours is not permitted.

•NO TEXTING!!!

•NO SURFING, DOWNLOADING, or PLAYING GAMES ON THE COMPUTER!!!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PERSONAL DRESS AND APPEARANCE

It’s easy to maintain a professional look at all times at the workplace if you follow these guidelines:

  • Dress appropriately at the worksite. If you are unsure of the dress code, you will definitely need to ask your mentor.
  • Keep your hair well groomed and in an appropriate style.
  • If you have a uniform, keep it clean.
  • Keep make-up, perfume and jewelry to a minimum. Jewelry should include only a watch, class ring, wedding/engagement ring, NO “dangling” earrings.
  • Once you begin working, you will be instructed about appropriate dress for your job. In general, do NOT wear the following items at the workplace:

Jeans with holes

Shorts

Miniskirts

Sandals

Sheer or low-cut blouses

Camisoles, tank tops, spandex

Cropped blouses that show your stomach or back.

Facial piercings

PierceCountyHigh School

Work-Based Learning Educational Training Agreement

This training agreement establishes an understanding of what is expected from each person involved in the work-based learning program. Responsibilities of each person are listed below.

The Employer agrees to:

Provide a variety of work experiences for the student that contribute to the attainment of his/her career objective.

Employ the student for at least 7.5 hours per week for each block released from school during the academic year, and schedule the student to work at least four days during the school week. Limit students to no more than 40 hours a week.

Adhere to policies and practices which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, and handicap in recruitment, hiring, placement, assignment to work tasks, hours of employment, levels of responsibility, and pay.

Provide instructional materials and occupational guidance to the student.

Evaluate the student, in consultation with the work-based learning coordinator, a minimum of once per grading period.

Adhere to all federal and state regulations including child labor laws and minimum wage regulations. Students employed through a work-based learning program are not eligible for unemployment compensation. Some WBL students are unpaid interns.

Adhere to income tax and Social Security withholding regulations.

Provide time for consultation with the work-based learning coordinator concerning the student and to discuss with the work-based learning coordinator any difficulties that may arise.

To inform the Work-Based Learning Coordinator before any disciplinary action is taken in regard to the employment of the student.

Verify with signature student’s time sheets.

Assign the student to a mentor.

Proved a progressive wage scale for Youth Apprenticeship placements.

The Coordinator agrees to:

Assist in the academic and occupational instruction of the student.

Conduct supervisory visits to the student’s place of employment.

Render assistance with educational and training problems of the student.

Assist the work-based training supervisor in an evaluation of the student’s performance a minimum of once per grading period.

Maintain records pertinent to the student, the employer, and the school.

Provide career counseling and guidance.

The Parent/Guardian agrees to:

Encourage the student to carry out effectively his/her duties and responsibilities at both the school and place of employment.

Assume responsibility for the conduct and safety of the student from the time he/she leaves school until he/she reports to work; likewise, from the time he/she leaves his/her job until he/she arrives home.

Make inquires concerning the student’s training, wages, or working conditions through the work-based learning coordinator rather than directly to the employer.

Understand that the student must attend school and work regularly and not go to work without going to school, nor go to school without going to work unless previously approved by the work-based learning coordinator.

Offer assistance to the Work-Based Learning Coordinator, serve as a resource person, and/or aid in other ways that could benefit the school and the student.

Allow the release of student records regarding academic performance, attendance, and discipline for the purpose of employment and program follow-up.

The Student agrees to:

Be 16 years of age, secure a Social Security card, a work permit, and required insurance before reporting to work site.

Assist the Work-Based Learning Coordinator in finding an appropriate employment position related to the career focus area of the program and the career objective of the student.

Be responsible for his/her transportation to and from the work site. When leaving the school campus for work, student will not transport or ride with anyone that his/her guardian has not approved. Student will conform to all school regulations and Georgia laws regarding licensing for operation, registration, and insuring the vehicle that student operates. All accidents occurring on school property will be reported immediately to the work-based learning coordinator and/or career/tech supervisor.