How does YA compare to other work-based learning programs?

Work-based learning experiences expose students to different types of jobs and help students learn and apply skills necessary to the working world.  Concurrently, these experiences give students the opportunity to acquire attitudes, skills, and knowledge for work and other life roles by participating in actual or simulated work settings related to in-school instructional programs. All of these activities are aimed at the infusion of workplace experiences into the academic environment to assist students in developing work behaviors that will make them more employable.

Work-Based Learning Options at Edgerton High School

• Service Learning or Distinguished Service Graduate Hours

  • Active, unpaid, participation in organized academic and practical activities

  • Conducted in and designed to meet the needs of their communities

• Job Shadowing

  • 3-6 hours per week

  • Student spends time, one-on-one, with an employee observing daily activities and asking questions about the job and the industry

  • May also given the opportunity to do hands-on activities at the workplace

• Employability Skills Certificate

  • Skill proficiency developed in core employment skills identified by the U.S. Department of Labor Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) in a school supervised work-based learning experience

• *Cooperative Education Skills Certificate

  • A one-year, school-supervised, paid work experience for high school juniors or seniors

  • Proficiency attained in standard statewide skills

  • Combination of related classroom instruction and workplace learning

  • Prepares student for further training at either a postsecondary educational institution or at a business or industry

• **Youth Apprenticeship

  • A one or two-year, school-supervised, paid work experience for high school juniors and seniors

  • Proficiency attained in standard statewide skills

  • Combination of related classroom instruction and workplace learning

  • Prepares students for further training at either postsecondary educational institution or at a business or industry

Program Comparison: YA** and Cooperative Skills Education Certificate*(Skills Co-op)

• The program chosen should best meet the goals and needs of the students and the resources of the school district. 

Both programs prepare students for a career. Both programs are rigorous, relevant, and EXCELLENT

• While very similar to each other; there are some differences:

  • YA is 1 or 2 years; Skills Co-op is only 1 year

  • YA requires 450 hours of work per year; Skills Co-op requires 90 hours of work per year

  • YA skills must be obtained at the worksite; Skills Co-op skills may be obtained at the worksite or in the classroom

  • YA related classroom instruction is taught by YA qualified instructors at high schools, Technical Colleges, online or through an employer; Skills Co-op related classroom instruction is taught only by a Career and Technical Education teacher certified in that specific co-op

  • YA skill attainment assessed by the employer mentor; Skills Co-op skill attainment assessed by the instructor or employer