Work-Based Learning Program

Work-Based Learning Program is sponsored by Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS). Allows students to work for employers during trade instructional time, earning credit and wages.

Connecticut Technical Education and Career System - Work-based Learning Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a part of the CTECS Student Workforce . WBL allows a student to work for an employer during their trade instructional time. Students not only receive credit toward their career technology, but also get paid.

Available at all CTECS schools, WBL fosters workforce readiness skills, such as punctuality, preparedness, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking, facilitating a smooth transition from school to work. Through legislation passed through the Connecticut Department of Labor , CTECS students 16 and older are permitted to work in all trades, including high-hazard trades.

Each school has a dedicated WBL Coordinator to promote and provide support for student and industry partners throughout the process. Learn More About Work-Based Learning at CTECS Work-Based Learning On the Job w/ Dulin Collision Center Work-Based Learning On the Job with Enhance a Colour Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) How does a student get involved in Work-based Learning (WBL)?

A student must meet certain eligibility requirements to participate in WBL. These include, but are not limited to, being at least 16 years of age, a junior or senior, and in good standing in academics and trades.

A student can identify WBL employment opportunities in a variety of ways – students may reach out to local employers on their own, CTECS may have opportunities through their industry partners, or employers may contact the school throughout the year noting placement openings. Students may work with their instructor to help identify opportunities.

Once a WBL employer is identified, the student will work with the WBL Coordinator to complete an application. While working, students will be responsible for completing a weekly report of work and submitting performance evaluations. Work Based Learning (WBL) may be provided to any student who has completed their sophomore year and is a minimum of 16 years of age.

The student must have and maintain an overall marking period grade average of 70 or above, with no failures, and a minimum grade of 70 or above in their trade area. The student must demonstrate trade proficiency by having grades of acceptable or better in learning areas in which he/she has been instructed based on performance criteria established in the curriculum.

The student must be in compliance with the school attendance and discipline policies. What trade areas are students available to work in? View a full list of our trade programs and locations.

Is a 16 year old student allowed to work, especially in hazardous career areas? Yes, through legislation created in partnership between the Department of Labor and the Department of Education, students can participate in WBL as early as 16 years of age, even in occupations labeled hazardous, such as construction, manufacturing, and automotive. Read the full legislation .

During the trade cycle, eligible students may have up to the following school release hours: 11th graders: 14 hours per week during the trade cycle 12th graders: 21 hours per week during the trade cycle 11th graders: 28 hours per week during the trade cycle, as long as trade theory and trade-related electives are being met.

12th graders: No restriction on hours as long as shop theory, trade-related electives, and graduation requirements are being met. Is it the responsibility of the student or CTECS staff to identify WBL opportunities? A student can find WBL employment opportunities in a variety of ways.

Students may reach out to local employers on their own, the technical high school may have a list of employers looking for WBL students, or employers may contact the school throughout the year looking for employees. Students are encouraged to work with their trade-area Department Head or school’s WBL Coordinator on securing employment. Can students drive company vehicles?

No, a student may not drive company vehicles unless they are 18 years of age. How does a student apply for WBL? If a student would like to participate in WBL they should connect with their WBL Coordinator.

They will assist the student in completing the application and working with the employer to ensure all of the proper documents are in place. I am an employer. What are the steps to participate in WBL?

If an employer wants to hire a technical high school student, they should reach out to the Work-Based Learning (WBL) Coordinator at the school nearest to their business. The WBL Coordinator and the trade instructor will handle the necessary paperwork, verify the student’s eligibility, and ensure the work aligns with the curriculum.

The employer needs to provide a certificate of insurance and the name of the employee who will mentor the student for a background check. After these steps are completed, a work schedule that fits with the school cycles will be created. View a list of CTECS schools and locations .

Wilder Zandonella ( Wilder. Zandonella@cttech. org ) Christopher Heun ( Christopher.

Heun@cttech. org ) Sandeep Tibrewal ( Sandeep. Tibrewal@cttech.

org ) Elizabeth Feldman ( Elizabeth. Feldman@cttech. org ) Chris LeSieur ( Chris.

LeSieur@cttech. org ) Jonathan Grossman ( Jonathan. Grossman@cttech.

org ) Patrick Kozloski ( Patrick. Kozloski@cttech. org ) Cristina Stisser ( Cristina.

Stisser@cttech. org ) Kimberly Pascone ( Kimberly. Pascone@cttech.

org ) Jonathan Nadeau ( Jonathan. Nadeau@cttech. org ) Jousette Caraballo ( Jousette.

Caraballo@cttech. org ) Justin Cosell ( justin. cosell@cttech.

org ) Mike Garcia ( Michael. Garcia@cttech. org ) Cheryl Capatani ( Cheryl.

Capatani@cttech. org ) Colleen George ( Colleen. George@cttech.

org ) Nick Ogorzalek ( Nicholas. Ogorzalek@cttech. org ) Kimberly Matthews ( Kimberly.

Matthews@cttech. org ) Boothroyd, Stacy ( Stacy. Boothroyd@cttech.

org ) How can I hire graduates of CTECS or get more involved with the schools? We encourage employers to register with CTECS’ Career Center . The Career Center helps employers find, access, and hire Connecticut technical high schools’ best talent, while increasing industry exposure and career opportunities for students and graduates.

As a registered employer, you’ll get: Streamlined communication and recruitment processes between employers and CTECS’ 20 locations. A new, enhanced job board that is searchable by trade and location, ensuring your postings reach the right candidates. Access to a pool of talented students and graduates actively looking for jobs.

Exclusive invites to Program Advisory Committee meetings, career fairs, and other events. You can even request virtual or in-person hiring events. Increased brand visibility.

Learn more and register today. How do I become a pre-apprentice sponsor? For more information or questions Work-Based Learning Coordinator Brent.

McCartney@cttech. org