Section 2.1 Work-Based Learning Programs
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The coordinator carefully discusses your qualifications for a
work-based experience with one or more potential employers before
you are assigned to a training station. A training station is a job site
where a student works to learn job skills. A training station may be a
manufacturing company, hospital, hair salon, bank, construction site,
auto service center, or some other workplace. The training stations
available to you depend on the type of work-based learning program
you follow and the cooperating employers in your area. Usually, you
are responsible for providing your own transportation to the job.
When you report to the job on your first day of work, you will
be introduced to your supervisor. The supervisor is your manager
in the workplace. He or she explains what is expected on the job and
evaluates how well you do your work. The supervisor is responsible
for the training station and your job training.
The supervisor explains the job and the company as much as
possible, but often assigns a work-based mentor to help the student
worker. A work-based mentor is an assistant who helps with day-
to-day questions. Another common term for this worker is training
sponsor. A work-based mentor is an employee who knows how to do
the job and teaches you to do it well. Students tend to form friendships
with their mentors and feel more relaxed when they are around.
Remember, the work-based learning experience is a three-way
relationship. It involves you, your program coordinator, and the employer.
You have the most to gain from this relationship. It will help you build self-
confidence and develop marketable skills through on-the-job experiences.
You will also be able to explore your career interests while learning to
work with others and earning money. Two common types of work-based
learning programs are cooperative education programs and internships.
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Work-based learning
programs provide
opportunities to learn
valuable on-the-job skills.