School District ofPickens County

A work-based learning experience provides an opportunity for students to gain hands-on work experience in the student’s career cluster before the student graduates from high school.  Often these placements are referred to as internships and co-ops.

Work-based learning (WBL) is intentional learning within a work context, created through purposeful relationships with employers, that helps students identify, refine, and reach their goals while developing and strengthening their 21st-century skills. 

We offer WBL through structured experiences in order to enhance current and future employment opportunities and develop in students a career mindset.

A work-based learning experience is priceless!  It provides students the opportunity to network with business, industry, and community representatives who can guide students in career planning, employment searches, and post-secondary programs.

Participants in work-based learning experiences are often able to continue work with their placement companies after high school or college graduation. Employers are increasingly seeking new hires that have a work-based learning experience and can perform at a high level immediately.

As a first step, students can start writing a resume and practicing their interview skills.  

If a work-based learning experience is approved, the Work-Based Learning Training Agreement and Evaluation will need to be completed. 

Completing a work-based learning experience is a career-readiness qualifier.  In addition, students will also receive a graduation cord for their achievement.

Contact Anna Esuary, the SDPC Work-Based Learning Facilitator, for more information.  The work-based learning facilitator is located at the Pickens County Career & Technology Center.

Work-Based Learning Experiences and Activities

SDPC offers students in grades 6^th-12^th a continuum of work-based learning opportunities.