August 18, 2014

Dear Work-Based Learning Student:

Congratulations! You have been selected to participate in the Work-Based Learning Program. It is the beginning of an exciting and rewarding career pathway.

Through participation in Work-Based Learning, classroom learning is combined with work experience. Along the way you will be expected to meet certain standards. Knowing what is expected of you at school and during your worksite experience will help you to succeed, so take the time to read the following pages carefully.

With the honor of being released from school to work on a related job site comes a responsibility involving career commitment and continued effort on your part. The fact that you have been selected shows that you are willing to strive for success and build a foundation for your future career.

Thomas County High School’s WBL Program will adhere to policies and practices which prohibit discrimination on the bases of race, color, national origin, sex, and handicap in recruitment, hiring, placement, assignment to work tasks, hours of employment, levels of responsibility, and pay.

Best wishes as you begin on this new venture. I wish you success and pledge my support in this endeavor.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Michelle Ausley

Work-Based Learning Coordinator

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

Work-Based Learning students are expected to excel in three major areas: academic performance, school and workplace behavior, and job performance.

As a work-based learning student, you must maintain a C average at school and have a good attendance record. You may take advantage of many support services to help you achieve these goals, but you have to do the work! Failure to meet either of these goals can result in termination from the program and possible loss of credit.

To participate in work-based learning, you must demonstrate acceptable behavior at school and at the worksite. You are expected to follow the standards of behavior of your local school system as well as at the worksite.

You are to follow any additional standards required by your job site. Standards of behavior at the job site will be discussed during orientation.

Guidelines Are Included In This Handbook For The Following:

  • Attention to Personal Appearance
  • Commitment of Time
  • Handling Personal Relationships
  • Following Instructions
  • Interacting with Authority
  • Courtesy
  • Training Plans
  • Attendance Policy
  • Tips for Succeeding on the Job
  • Portfolio
  • Journal

ORIENTATION TO THE WORK-BASED LEARNING PROGRAM

Students should read the Student Handbook carefully. All requirements concerning student behavior, grades, and employment are contained within this handbook. If a student has a question, they should see his/her Work-Based Learning Coordinator for help.

Thomas County High School’s WBL Program will adhere to policies and practices which prohibit discrimination on the bases of race, color, national origin, sex, and handicap in recruitment, hiring, placement, assignment to work tasks, hours of employment, levels of responsibility, and pay.

The following list contains the names of the forms that must be submitted at the beginning of school. This documentation will become part of your Portfolio.

Application (signed by student and parent/guardian)

Three Teacher Recommendations (signed by teachers)

Work Permit (signed by student, TCCHS guidance official, and employer)

Training Agreement (signed by student, parent, employer, and WBL Coordinator)

Training Plan (signed by student, employer, and WBL Coordinator)

Parking Decal Number

Auto Insurance Card (copy)

WORK PERMITS

In Georgia, an Employment Certificate, commonly referred to as a work permit, must be on file for anyone under the age of 18 seeking employment. A copy of the work permit form may be obtained from Mrs. Ausley or the Thomas County Central High School GuidanceOffice. The form contains three sections. Section one will be completed by the student. The student will need to supply their full, legal name, address, parent/guardian’s name, date of birth, age, race, gender, social security number, andhome phone number. Section two will be completed by the employer, and section three will be completed by a certified official of the Thomas County Central High School Guidance Office.

Mrs. Ausley will give each student one copy of the work permit data sheet. If a student needs another copy, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain the work permit data sheet from the Thomas County Central High School official and fill out section one. Take the work permit to the employer who will in turn fill out section two with the business name, address, type of industry, student’s job duties, student’s hours, signature of employer and current date. The employer will return the work permit to the student who will then carry the form to Mrs. Ausley. At this time, Mrs. Ausley will send the completed form to the Thomas County Central High School Guidance Office for the official to complete section three, issue work permit form and return a copy of the form to Mrs. Ausley. The student must give the employer a copy of the work permit form to keep on file. The Work-Based Learning Coordinator will keep a copy of the student work permit form data sheet on file as proof that the student has obtained a work permit.

In the event a student is already 18, a copy of the student’s driver’s license may be submitted in place of the work permit.

WORK HOUR REQUIREMENTS

Course credit is based on contact hours comparable to seat time in other CTAE courses. Students released from school for one period must work 10 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Students released from school for two periods must work 10 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Students who are released from school for three periods

must work 15 hoursper week, Monday through Friday. Depending where a student is employed and his/her work schedule, some students will work weekends and those hours will count, too.

A student in a WBL placement all year would earn one credit (per period) for 180 hours of work.

WORK WAGE REPORTS

The Monthly Work Wage Report is one of the most important documents required by the Work-Based Learning Coordinator. Each Work-Based Learning student will be given a work wage calendar for semester. The report consists of the student’s name, date of the report, supervisor’s signature, and student’s signature.

The most essential part of the report, however, is the section for weekly time and earnings summary. The WBL student will enter the time started and the time ended for each day worked. The student will then calculate the total number of hours worked to the nearest quarter hour (i.e. 5:00, 5:15, 5:30, or 5:45). If a student works a quarter of an hour, the entry will be .25 hours, for half an hour, the entry is .5, and for three quarters of an hour, the entry is .75. A student should not count individual minutes.

At the end of the week, the student will total the number hours worked for the week, Monday through Sunday, and multiply the total hours worked by the rate of pay to determine the Monthly Earnings. The student must sign the work wage report and will have his/her mentor sign the report, too.

Monthly Work Wage Reports are due to the Worked-Based Learning Coordinator on the 10th of every month (August Monthly Work Wage Reports will be turned in on September 10th. The report will be accepted through the 12th of the month without penalty. If it is submitted after the 12th of the month, points (3) will be deducted for each day it is late. Points will also be deducted if the total hours and weekly earnings are not correctly calculated. Additional points will be subtracted for missing data.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

The Work-Based Learning experience is designed to instill the importance of positive work habits and attitudes both on the job and in the classroom.

You Must Assume Responsibility for Regular Attendance at:

your school

your work site on the assigned days

Remember, if you do not attend school you cannot report to the job site except by special permission.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CALL YOUR WORK-BASED LEARNING COORDINATOR WHEN YOU WILL BE ABSENT FROM SCHOOL. Each week of school is worth 100 points (20 points for each day). Failure to call your Work-Based Learning Coordinator or your employer will result in a deduction of 20 points from your weekly attendance grade. Failure to sign-out with your Work-Based Learning Coordinator will result in a deduction of 20 points each day from your weekly attendance grade. In addition, you will also be marked absent.

YOUR ATTENDANCE WILL AFFECT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR CREDIT.

It is also important in your evaluation by both your employer and teacher.

YOU MUST GO TO WORK EVERY DAY THAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO BE IN ATTENDANCE. You are an employee of the business and your employer depends on you to be at work every day. Your employer assigns you important work every day and if you are absent then that work is not completed. YOU ARE AN EMPLOYEE OF THE BUSINESS PARTNER and you must follow the same rules as other employees.

* If you are sick and cannot attend work, you MUST call your employer BEFORE you are scheduled to begin work that day. You should always carry your employer’s number and your coordinator’s number with you.

* If you know you will be unable to attend work in advance, for example, you must take a test at school, let your employer know why you are going to be absent and the days you will be absent.

* We STRONGLY encourage you to schedule all doctor and dentist appointments outside of your work hours; however, should you have an appointment, let your employer know PRIOR to the day of the appointment.

* If you are absent due to a death in the family, you must call or have someone else call your employer and coordinator.

* Unexpected absences are considered to be evidence of undesirable work behavior and are STRONGLY discouraged.

* No show to work, without a phone call and/or prior approval:

  • First Offense -written warning
  • Second Offense- possible removal from the program

Mrs. Ausley, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, will have sign-out sheets for each day of school. You will need to sign-in/out atthe front office or PREP office each day. First, locate your name on the sign-in/out sheet. Then, you will need to indicate the exact time you are signing in/out to return or leavecampus. In other words, if you leave campus early, you must sign-out at the front office or PREP office each day. If you attend work before going to school each morning, then you are to sign in the exact time that you arrived on campus. Again, failure to do so will result in a deduction of 20 points from your weekly attendance grade. You may NOT have someone else sign you in/out. It is your responsibility to handle your own obligations.

Attendance at school and work is extremely important. You cannot learn if you are not in class or on your job. Your work placement is an extension of school. You are allowed to miss no more than five days of school per semester unless extenuating circumstances arise (example: medical emergency with documentation provided). There is rarely a good excuse for being tardy; therefore, you should have no more than five tardies per semester.

EMPLOYABILITY TRAITS

There are ten major topics that have been identified as important employability traits or skills that each employee should possess. Students will develop and improve their employability skills through the development of materials in their journal and portfolio. In addition, guest speakers, seminars, and training will be conducted during meetings to assist students in employability skills development.

Each Work-Based Learning student will be evaluated on his/her employability skills twice per semester and the WBL student will be evaluated on the technical skills that are listed on the training plan once per semester. A possible 140 points may be earned on the Employability Traits Evaluation. The grading scale is shown below.

126 – 140 points = A

112 – 126 points = B

100 – 111 points = C

Below 100 points =F

TIPS FOR SUCCEEDING ON THE JOB

Listed below are some tips that will help you succeed on the job:

* Be neat and clean.

* Dress appropriately for the work environment.

* Be friendly and courteous.

* Keep yourself occupied at all times. If you have a job to do--do it. If you don't have something to do, ask your mentor.

* If you have a work related problem, it is your responsibility to talk with your mentor first.

* If the problems continue consult with your Work-Based Learning Coordinator.

* If you have a problem with school and assignments, it is your responsibility to talk with your Work-Based Learning Coordinator immediately!

* Take criticism without resentment and learn from constructive criticism.

* Don't make excuses. Chronic excuse makers are rarely believed.

* Give your best effort at all times. Remember, your job is important.

* You are entitled to respect on your job. Your mentor and your fellow workers are also entitled to respect. Give the same courtesy you expect in return.

* Always notify your mentor if you are going to be absent. Attendance at school and work is a must.

* Ask questions if you do not understand directions or if you need more information to do your job.

PERSONAL DRESS AND APPEARANCE

It's easy to maintain a professional look at all times at the workplace if you follow these guidelines:

  • Dress appropriately for the worksite.
  • Keep your hair well groomed and in an appropriate style.
  • If you have a uniform, keep it clean.
  • Keep make-up, perfume and jewelry to a minimum. Jewelry should include only a watch, class ring, and one other ring on opposite hand. Limit earrings to one pair (not dangling).
  • If you are unsure of the dress code, you will definitely need to ask your employer.
  • Once you begin working, you will be instructed about appropriate dress for your job.
  • DO NOT WEAR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS AT THE WORKPLACE: Hats, jeans, shorts, miniskirts, sandals, sheer or low-cut blouses, tank tops, spandex, and cropped blouses that show your stomach or back.

FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS

Performing your duties correctly will help you achieve success on the job. Responsible workers have learned that following all instructions from their employers or fellow workers completely and accurately guarantees that the job will be done right!

Follow These Steps:

1. LISTEN: Concentrate on the instructions you are receiving. Pay attention to the details, they will be important when you are completing the task. Look at the person while listening.

2. TAKE NOTES: Write down important details as you receive your instructions. You can refer to your notes as you complete the task.

3. ASK QUESTIONS: Be sure you understand the instructions. If you do not, ask your employer to repeat them or explain them further. You can be sure that your employer would rather repeat instructions than you having to repeat a task if it is not done correctly!

4. FOLLOW YOUR INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY: Don't try to create a short cut by leaving a step out. The task may not make sense to you, but if you follow the instructions exactly, you will get it done correctly.

COURTESY

Showing courtesy to both your supervisor and your fellow workers will make a difference.

Remember These Easy Guidelines:

  • Be courteous to fellow workers and others.
  • Always say "please" and "thank you."
  • Make courtesy a habit.
  • Treat co-workers, patients, customers, and/or clients with respect and sensitivity.

HANDLING PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Personal calls during work hours are not allowed. Do NOT use your cell phone while at work. Parents should only call in the case of an extreme emergency on the company phone.

Socializing is limited to break time and lunch.

Visiting fellow students during work hours is not permitted.

INTERACTING WITH AUTHORITY

The relationship you have with your employer will be one of the most important relationships you will have during your Work-Based Learning experience. Applying the guidelines you have already read and the advice below will help you have the best possible relationship with your mentor and employer.

  • Always treat your mentor, employer, and customer/client with courtesy and respect
  • If you need something, ask for it, donot demand it.
  • Accept constructive criticism:
  • Listen to it
  • Learn from it
  • Donot feel put down

Constructive criticism is meant to help you improve your future work performance. It is an important part of working. If you accept what is being said, you can learn what to do the next time.