Work-Based Learning Bulldog Logo

Work-Based Learning

Contact Information:

CTAE Director/WBL Teacher: ben.culpepper@lanier.k12.ga.us

WBL Coordinator: susan.schools@lanier.k12.ga.us

Office: 229-482-3868

Need A Job?

Job Board
Become a Placement Site

What are the requirements to participate in Work-Based Learning?

In order to apply for the Work-Based Learning program, here are the requirements that you must meet:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • MUST have transportation and have an official school parking permit
  • On track for graduation and pathway completion.  (Must have completed or be enrolled in 2nd level class of CTAE pathway.)
  • Maintain good grades and good attendance:
    • Overall grade point average of at least 75, and grade averages of at least 75 in fundamental math and English courses as well as in the related career-technical subjects taken
    • Attendance, including tardies: No more than 5 preferred, NOT more than 10 per semester
  • Have good/no discipline records (No major discipline in previous/current school year)
  • Good work ethics record (Based on 2 Teacher Recommendations: one academic and one CTAE)
  • Be clear of any school debts.
  • Have a career objective related to the work experience program area/pathway to which you are applying
  • Complete an interview with Work-Based Learning Coordinator
  • Attend mandatory student & parent/guardian meeting prior to Fall semester
  • Be an Active member of the corresponding CTSO (FCCLA, FFA, HOSA, or SkillsUSA)

Meet the Requirements?

Follow the steps below...

Step 1: WBL Application
Step 2: Teacher Recommendations
Step 3: WBL Interview

WBL FAQs

What is Work-Based Learning (WBL)?

WBL is a course that allows a student to leave school campus early to go to work to gain valuable real work experience...and earn school course credit! Students may either be in a paid or unpaid internship that relates to their career goal. (This helps to find out if the career choice you have is right for you.) Students may also earn course credit if they have a part-time job already.

Can WBL substitute for CTAE pathway courses?

NO! WBL courses must be taken alongside your second or third pathway courses or upon successful completion of those courses.  WBL students are expected to complete a related pathway and take the Exam of Credential during the third course.

What do I have to do when enrolled in WBL?

That's easy...

  1. GO TO WORK according to your employers schedule for you. You have a required number of hours to work per the Georgia Department of Education in order to receive course credit. For each block enrolled you must work 7.5 hours per week or 135 hours per semester. All hours do NOT have to be during your assigned WBL block, but at least 3 hours a week should be. This gives you flexibility with other after school activities, like athletic games and practices. Failure to comply may result in dismissal from the program.
  2. COMPLETE MONTHLY ASSIGNMENTS: timesheets to document/verify your hours worked must be submitted each month, as they are reported to the state DOE for course credit, employer evaluations (3 per semester) to document your growth at work, and portfolio assignments related to career awareness, employability skills, etc. Portfolio assignments are posted in advance and can be completed ahead of time.  You submit all assignments in online, which makes it very convenient! Failure to comply may result in dismissal from the program.

Can I take WBL more than one block a semester?

Yes! You may take up to three blocks of WBL each semester you qualify. (Note: taking more than one block a semester does NOT increase the amount of portfolio assignments!)

Are all WBL placements paid positions?

No.  Most WBL placements are unpaid positions to gain work experience and career knowledge. If a student is needing a paid job they should work during the summer to secure a position on his/her own.  For student found positions, make sure that the employer is willing to work along with the WBL employer guidelines. (see Employer tab above)

I work for my families business, can I use that as my WBL jobsite?

You can work for your family business IF there is a separate office outside of the home.  Worksite visits are made through the semester and cannot take place in the home setting.  The WBL teacher must be able to visit you freely at work.  

If I already have a job, can that be my WBL jobsite?

Yes! Hopefully it is related to your career pathway. If not, you may use that job for no more than one school year per the DOE.

If I want to go into the medical field, are there paid jobs in that area for WBL?

Most healthcare positions are unpaid due to lack of credentials. If you truly want to go into this field then an unpaid spot is extremely valuable! If you are under 18, you may find a clerical position in a medical office in the meantime. This can get your foot in the door for when you turn 18.

What if I am short hours one week/month?

Communicate with your WBL teacher to secure supplemental hours IMMEDIATELY!