WHAT IS WORK-BASED LEARNING?
Work-based learning links secondary and post-secondary education, business and industry, labor and government to provide high school students with a wide range of career opportunities and experiences, leading to a smooth transition from school to work. Work-based learning students come to realize the connection between school and living productive lives. Competency-based work-based learning experiences include paid and non-paid internships, occupational/technical labs, and related high school coursework. Many work-based learning programs also include additional career exploration activities like job shadowing, speakers, field trips and workshops. Benefits to work-based learning are numerous. Both educators and business sponsors provide students with the employability and career-related skills they need to be productive members of the workforce. Thus, work-based learning programs serve as a vital link between education and careers.
P.E.R.F.E.C.T., Tazewell County/Area Education For Employment, the Central Illinois Vocational Education Cooperative, and Illinois Central College have partnered to provide Central Illinois 11th and 12th grade high school students with region-wide work-based learning programs. Visit the high school guidance office for more information.
HOW DO STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM WORK-BASED LEARNING?
Exposure to variety of careers
Technical skills through hands-on career activities
High school coursework linked to career training
Opportunities for college credit
Potential contacts for employment and post-secondary education
Self-confidence from success at school and work
ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS:
To participate in regional work-based leaning programs, students must:
Be a high school junior or senior
Be at least 16 years old at the beginning of the program
Show proof of health insurance
Demonstrate good attendance
Have no major discipline action on record
Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
Complete an informal interview
Have reliable transportation
SCHEDULE FOR 2009-2010 SCHOOL YEAR - click here
Applications are available in your high school guidance office or online at www.perfectpeoria.com.
Automotive Fundamentals
The Automotive Fundamentals program provides students with instruction in shop safety, automotive electronics, brake systems, suspension and steering, and engine performance. Students who successfully complete the program will be prepared for entry-level positions in the automotive industry or continued education in related programs. Students may participate for up to 2 years and earn up to 6 credit hours per semester.
Biotechnical Engineering
The biotechnical engineering curriculum combines biology, engineering, computer science, and problem-solving skills to tackle problems of a biological and/or technical nature. This course introduces students to the diverse fields of biotechnology, bioengineering, biomedicine, and biomolecular engineering. Lessons engage students in hands-on engineering design problems related to biomechanics, cardiovascular engineering, genetic engineering, agricultural engineering, tissue engineering, biomedical devices, forensics, and bio-ethics.
Computer Networking-CISCO Online
The CISCO Networking Academy program is a comprehensive e-learning program, which provides students with the Internet technology skills essential in a global economy. The Networking Academy program delivers Web-based content, online assessments, student performance tracking, hands-on labs, instructor training, and preparation for industry-standard certifications. Students may participate for up to 2 years.
Construction Industry
The competency-based Construction program exposes students to a variety of high-skill, high-wage construction industry careers. Students participate in specialized hands-on training, classroom instruction and internships at various locations, including apprenticeship schools and local construction job sites. Instruction includes a focus on safety and the skills necessary to succeed in various construction careers, from skilled trades to project management. Students can participate in this program for 1 year.
Cosmetology
Cosmetology is a state licensed program that specializes in training students in all phases of the industry. This includes training in hair care, skin care and nail technology. Instruction is provided at a licensed cosmetology school in partnership with area high schools. This course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to be proficient in the beauty industry. This two-year program provides students with hands on training under the supervision of licensed cosmetology instructors. Upon completion of the required 1500 hours, the student will take a state board exam.
Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice program offers an excellent opportunity for students to explore careers in corporate security, loss prevention, risk management and others. Students selected for this program will receive introductory training in the Criminal Justice System as well as Industrial & Business Security. Successful participants will be "job ready" at the completion of this program by fulfilling licensing standards as a security guard within the State of Illinois. This program is 1 semester in length with students earning 6 credit hours upon successful completion.
Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education program is designed to provide students with instruction in early childhood education through lecture, discussion, reflection, and hands-on experience. Students in the program will study the development of children, importance of play in the growth of young children, and how teachers make connections to support the continued growth and development of children. In addition to classroom instruction, students will participate in an internship in pre-kindergarten classrooms at Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center, Pre-K STAR classrooms, and other childcare centers throughout the community to apply classroom instruction to real life experiences. Students may participate for 1 year.
EMT Basic
The Emergency Medical Technician-Basic program is designed to prepare students to provide care to victims of medical and traumatic emergencies in and out of the hospital settings. Students who complete this program will be eligible for licensure through the Illinois Department of Public Health, as well as certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Students may participate 1 semester in this program, earning up to 6.5 credit hours.
Graphic Design
The Graphic Design program provides a foundation in practices, techniques, processes, terminology, theory and aesthetics of graphic design through hands-on projects and career exploration activities. Instruction, demonstration and practical skills development employ industry-standard software including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress, Adobe Illustrator, Kai's PowerShow, and others. Students participate for 1 semester and earn 6 hours of credit.
Health Occupations
Participants in the Health Occupations program will gain a knowledge-based understanding of a wide variety of health care careers through classroom instruction, lab activities, job shadowing, and clinical experiences. Upon successful completion, students will be eligible to sit for the State of Illinois Nursing Assistance exam and work as a CNA in any health care setting. This program is 1 semester in length. Students will earn 7.5 credit hours upon completion.
Hospitality and Tourism
Students enrolled in the Hospitality and Tourism work-based learning program will receive training through classroom instruction and hands-on activities in many facets of the industry including lodging, food and banquet services, travel, tourism, and sports and entertainment. Training locations and sponsors will include a variety of established business locations including members of the Heart of Illinois Hospitality Association. Students may participate for 1 year.
Project Lead the Way (Pre-Engineering)
Project Lead the Way is a nationally recognized pre-engineering curriculum designed to introduce students to engineering principles, concepts, and real-world problems through classroom instruction, project-based activities, presentations, tours, and job shadowing. PLTW courses help prepare students for the scope, rigor, and discipline of engineering and engineering technology prior to entering a four year college program. Students may participate up to 2 years, earning 1-4 credit hours per semester.