Central Montco Technical High School
For the Arts, Sciences, and Technology
Work Based Learning
Coordinator of Work Based Learning: Ms. Kathy Slattery
Email: kslattery@cmths.org
Welcome to the CMTHS Work Based Learning Program. On this page you will find all that you need to know if you'd like to do a Job Shadow, Internship, or Co-Operative Education Placement, as well as other helpful employment and transportation resources.
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24-25 Work Based Learning Students
Introduction to Work Based Learning
Work Based Learning (WBL) is a method of instruction that enables students to combine academic classroom instruction (school-based learning component) with occupational instruction through learning on the job (work-based learning component) in a career area of choice. Emphasis is placed on the students’ education and employability skills.
School to work/cooperative education programs permit the eligible students to be released from school to work for an approved employer in their specific trade area. The student will report to the training site and perform job duties to understand the daily operations along with the challenges of their chosen career path.
The student/employee always represents CMTHS and is expected to demonstrate professional qualities of responsibility, dependability, ethical behavior, and maturity while performing assigned trade specific tasks assigned by the employer.
The purpose of the school to work/cooperative education program is to provide students with competencies developed through supervised, on-the-job training related to their occupational goal under the guidance of a certified coordinator.
Types of Work Based Learning
There are three types of Work Based Learning Experiences available to students at CMTHS: Job Shadows, Internships, and Co-Operative Education (Co-Op). See below to read the eligibility and requirements for each.
Co-Op and Internship Eligibility & Requirements
Requirements for a Co-Op or Internship Placement
To be eligible for a Co-Op Placement, a student must meet ALL of the criteria below.
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Attendance rate of 95% or better
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An 85% grade or better in the student's CMTHS Program
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The students must have no major disciplinary issues
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Experience at CMTHS; the student must have completed 6 marking periods in the same program.
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A recommendation from the student's instructor(s)
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The student must have transportation to and from their Co-Op Placement.
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The student must have a Social Security Card
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The student must have completed the PDE industry credential that is their Program’s Safety Certification (OSHA 10 or SP2).
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If the student is under 18 years old, they will need a Work Permit from their sending school
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Students must provide information for the job where the student has been accepted to work. (While CMTHS may assist in finding placement opportunities for our students, ultimately, the responsibility is on the student to find a Co-Op job in their area of study.)
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Completion of all necessary forms by all stakeholders
If you can answer "YES" to all of these questions, you are ready for a Co-Op Placement!
Information
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Students who are on Co-Op may work up to 5 days a week, but will attend their bi-weekly class at CMTHS on Tuesdays with the Coordinator of Work Based Learning.
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Students who are on Internships may be out of their program up to 2 days a week.
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Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the Co-Op or Internship.
Procedure
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Any student interested in doing a Co-Op or Internship must fill out the Student Work Based Learning Application.
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Students are vetted by the Work Based Learning Coordinator to make sure they meet all of the requirements listed above.
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If the student meets the criteria, they will have an Interview with the Coordinator of Work Based Learning.
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The Coordinator of Work Based Learning will work with the student and their instructor to help the student find an appropriate placement, if they do not already have one in mind.
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The Instructor will fill out a Recommendation form for the student.
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When an appropriate placement has been found, the student will be approved to continue the process. There are several forms that must be filled out and signed by parents/guardians, the student, the employer, and CMTHS staff.
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Once all of these forms have been completed and signed, the student will be given a work start date when they may begin the Co-Op or Internship Placement.
Job Shadow Eligibility and Requirements
A Job Shadow is an opportunity for a student to visit a business or company in their field of study for a day and follow (shadow) a worker to see what the career is like.
Information
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A student who is absent from school for an approved Job Shadow, and fulfills all Job Shadow requirements, will be marked “Excused” because it is Career Exploration.
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Students may do one (1) Job Shadow per school year.
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Students are responsible for finding their own Job Shadow opportunity.
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Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the Job Shadow.
Requirements for a Job Shadow
To be eligible for a Job Shadow, and have it count as an Excused Absence, a student must meet ALL four (4) of the requirements below.
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The student must have an 85% attendance rate.
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The student must have Instructor approval.
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The student must provide all information for the location where they will be shadowing.
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The student must complete all required paperwork before and after the Job Shadow.
Procedure
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Any student who is interested in participating in a Job Shadow must fill out the Job Shadow Application which can also be found below on the CMTHS Work Based Learning webpage, at least 2 weeks prior to the date they wish to do their job shadow.
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The student will be asked to provide the employer’s contact name and information, email address, phone number and physical location.
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The completed application is submitted to the Coordinator of Work Based Learning for approval.
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If the Job Shadow has been approved, a digital document is sent out requesting signatures. This document must be completely signed at least 4 days prior to the Job Shadow.
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The Instructor will receive an email requesting their signature as their support of the student doing the Job Shadow.
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The student’s parent or guardian will then receive the email requesting their signature as their permission of the student doing the Job Shadow.
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Finally, the form will be sent to and signed by the Coordinator of Work Based Learning.
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The student will receive information about going on a Job Shadow.
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The student will attend the Job Shadow.
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After the Job Shadow there is a brief form, for the student to fill out asking about their experience and what they learned. This must be completed within 5 days of the Job Shadow for the student to have their absence counted as “Excused”.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Slattery, Coordinator of Work Based Learning at kslattery@cmths.org.
Information for Employers and Mentors
We are always looking for employers to serve as mentors for our Work Based Learning students. If you are interested in any type of Work Based Learning experience for your business, please click the button below to provide your information.
You may provide job posting information at the link above, or email job posting information to: kslattery@cmths.org
Thank you!
Work Based Learning Resources for Students
SEPTA Information for CMTHS Students
Click HERE for a list of public transportation serving the CMTHS area.
Individual SEPTA Route Schedules:
How to Obtain a Driver's Permit in PA:
You must obtain a learner's permit before you operate a motor vehicle in Pennsylvania. You will need to take and pass the Vision, Knowledge and Road tests to get your driver's license. The Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (DL-180) (PDF) is valid for one year from the date of your physical examination; however, the physical examination date may not be more than six months prior to your 16th birthday.
When you are 16 years of age or older, please complete the steps in order to get your non-commercial learner's permit. You cannot apply for your permit before your 16th birthday.
Video: How to Get a Pennsylvania Driver License
Employment Search
PA CareerLink is an online tool provided to connect job seekers to employers. Services available include viewing job postings, help with resumes, career resources, training opportunities, search local events, and vocational rehabilitation services.
Other Employment Sites:
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