DAY 23 – All About Work-Based Learning

Work-based learning (WBL) identifies activities that collaboratively engage employers and schools in providing structured learning experiences for students. These experiences focus on helping students develop broad, transferable skills for postsecondary education and the workplace. Quality WBL programs can help make school-based learning more relevant by providing students with opportunities to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real world situations.

What Are the Benefits of Work-Based Learning?
Benefits for Students:

  • Promotes the practice of positive work habits and attitudes
  • Enhances understanding of workplace expectations
  • Increases motivation to stay in school
  • Establishes professional contacts for future employment and mentoring
  • Increases technical skills and participation in authentic tasks
  • Allows observation of demeanor of workplace professionals

Benefits for Schools:

  • Expands curriculum and learning facilities
  • Provides access to state-of-the-art techniques and technology
  • Enhances ability to meet the needs of diverse student populations
  • Provides opportunities for individualized instruction
  • Promotes faculty and student interactions with the community
  • Contributes to staff development
  • Makes education more relevant and valuable for students
  • Enhances student retention

Benefits for Employers:

  • Helps create a pool of skilled and motivated potential employees
  • Improves employee retention
  • Reduces training/recruiting costs
  • Enables organization to develop new projects with student assistance
  • Encourages involvement in the curriculum development process
  • Provides developmental opportunities for current workforce
  • Offers opportunities to provide community service

Pictured above (L-R): Shawnee Community College students, Brandon Cummins of Metropolis, George Barnhill of Grand Chain, and Caleb Parks of Golconda dismantle a greenhouse near Louisville, Kentucky.

Shawnee Community College Agriculture Students Gain Hands-On Experience
 
ULLIN, IL. (February 16, 2017)- Brandon Cummins, George Barnhill, and Caleb Parks spent their winter break dismantling a greenhouse with plans to reassemble at Shawnee Community College’s campus. The students are currently pursing degrees in agriculture.
 
The Shawnee Community College Agriculture Club plans to reassemble the greenhouse on the SCC’s main campus this spring semester. The programs plan to use the greenhouse to allow students to engage in learning through work-based learning activities.