Work-based Learning Opportunities

Work-based learning opportunities help a student to determine whether or not a particular career or occupation is right for him or her.  Work-based learning opportunities include job-shadowing, Internships, Apprenticeships, and Cooperative Study (Co-ops) programs.  At West Forsyth we offer three opportunities: job- shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships. A brief description and qualifications of each opportunity is listed below.

Job Shadowing is an opportunity for a student to spend a half-day or full-day with a person who serves as a career model in the area of the student’s career interest.  For the student, the Shadow appointment provides a snapshot of a profession.  The student literally “shadows” and interviews the professional during the appointment in order to begin to develop a working understanding of the career.  Students interested in job shadowing should meet with the CDC and request an application. Students must be a current junior or senior, at least 16 years of age and provide their own transportation. Students must also be in good academic standing with a minimum of 2.5 unweighted GPA and no attendance concerns or discipline referrals. Students can job shadowing two times during their high school career.

CTE Internship Honors is an opportunity for students to work in accordance with the rules and regulations of the company.  In addition to the host-site supervisor, students have a school-level supervisor (CDC) and receive a grade for their work experience based on the assessment of the host-site supervisor.  Internships enable a student to begin to build a career-specific resume.  Employers interested in participating in an internship program are given the opportunity to interview candidates and are under no obligation to hire. Students must apply through the CDC (with an application and recommendations) and register for the CTE Internship Honors course during spring semester registration. This opportunity is open to all junior and senior students (minimum age 16) with a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.00, good attendance (few absences and tardies) with no discipline issues, and students must have completed or plan to complete a 2nd level CTE concentrator course that aligns with their future career plans BEFORE the start of the internship semester.  Some examples of 2nd level CTE concentrator courses include, Interior Design Tech or Studio, Apparel 2, Business Management 2, Sports Marketing 2, Adobe Video, 3D Modeling & Animation 2, Foods 2, Fire Fighter Tech 2, Automotive 2, Health Science 2, and many others. Students must also commit to earning a minimum of 120 hours in a semester of work and complete all course requirements as noted in the internship handbook to earn 1.0 credit for an elective CTE Honors course. CTE Internships are typically UNPAID educational opportunities offered during 4th period during a student's junior or senior year. Some exceptions are offered on a case by case basis.

CTE Apprenticeship Honors is an opportunity for students to serve as an apprentice directly under a mentor while gaining on-the-job training.  The program directly aligns with the student's career pathway and post-secondary plans. After graduation, the student continues to work as an apprentice while also working towards his or her certificate or 2 year degree at a local community college, which is typically paid for by the employer.  Apprenticeships are coded as an elective honors CTE credit and will serve as part of the student's course schedule (typically 4th period and/or after-school work time).

For more information about job shadowing, internships or an apprenticeship opportunity, please see Kim Hayes, Career Development Coordinator, in the main office, Email Mrs. Hayes , or call the school at 336-714-4400, extension 788140.