Work-Based Learning (WBL) describes educational partnerships between PAHCC and local employers that benefits both students and the community.

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WBL partnerships encourage employers and nonprofits to start the process of attracting high-quality recruits to their organizations, and allow students the opportunity to engage with industry representatives in Addison County and beyond. Playing a key role in meeting our mission by expanding opportunities for students, and contributing to workforce development, these opportunities often take place during class time with the support of program instructors, and can include:

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• Plant/factory tours: Visits to business in which students express interest or can originate when an industry representative wants to recruit students 

• Informational interviews: Meetings with industry professionals that allow students to talk in depth about their interests and to learn about opportunities in their field(s) of interest

• Job shadows: Half-day or day long visits to a company in the career sector a student is interested in. It’s a chance to explore various aspects of a job and to get to sample company culture. Job shadows often lead to other work-based learning opportunities.

• Internships: Learning experiences that can be paid or unpaid and that emphasize skill acquisition for the students. Can range from a  couple weeks to several months

• Community support projects: Individual student work (paid or unpaid) done for clients that can be done remotely, on-site or in a hybrid fashion.

• Co-ops: Paid employment that allows for students to use and build on skills learned in class. Job placements align with specific curriculum and students must be 16 years or older to be considered for Co-op.

 

All partnerships are coordinated by the Career Center’s WBL Coordinator, Jessica Danyow. Contact her at 802-382-1071 or via email at jdanyow@pahcc.org.