A graphic shows the steps of Clarke Central High School’s Work-Based Learning Program Application process. To apply for WBL, students must be at least 15-years-old and meet the academic and attendance requirements outlined in the application. “(We) determine whether the student will be admitted or denied for Work-Based Learning, and the student will receive an email notifying them of the decision. Then their next step is to attend an orientation with me and with their parent or guardian,” Thompson said. Graphic by Lea D’Angelo.
CCHS’ Work-Based Learning is accepting applications for the spring semester, allowing students to experience the process of searching for a job.
As the first semester of the 2024-25 school year wraps up, Clarke Central High School’s Work-Based Learning program is looking ahead to the spring.
WBL is currently taking applications for next semester, with hopes that accepted students will be able to interview for their desired internships in November. Students can start the process by completing the online application.
“(The application) is going to ask them questions about whether they ever attended (the Athens Community Career Academy), what (semester) they want to do it, what they’re interested in. What (Career, Technical and Agricultural Education) pathway have they done? What kinds of jobs are they interested in (for) the future?” Work-Based Learning Coordinator Brook Thomspon said.
If students are accepted into the program, they are encouraged to look at the list of internships and inform Thompson of their top options so they can start to apply with enough time to find an internship before the start of the spring semester.
“Some internships require a lot of paperwork to get started, and so if they ended up interviewing late, and then they’re still working on getting through like the background check at the beginning of the semester, we have exceptions for those cases, but for the most part, they do need to have already started (the process),” Thompson said.
“(WBL) is (where) I get to do (things) hands on in the moment, I’ll learn doing this stuff instead of just hearing it or seeing it, which I think will help out in the future,”
— Callie Wallace,
CCHS sophomore and WBL applicant
Once students have chosen where they want to apply, they are required to send in a resume. Thompson offers a template to help students create their own resumes, as well as individualized meetings for those who request them for additional help.
“I had (previously) asked her how I would switch my classes because of Work-Based Learning,”CCHS sophomore Callie Wallace, who is hoping to do an internship with CCHS varsity soccer coach Chris Aiken, said. ““I’ll probably ask her some (more) questions about what they’re looking for on the resume.”
After the application, resume and interviewing, those who find an internship are given the chance to gain hands-on experience in the workforce.
“This is (where) I get to do (things) hands on in the moment, I’ll learn doing this stuff instead of just hearing it or seeing it, which I think will help out in the future,” Wallace said.
