Work-Based Learning provides career preparation activities in which students participate in and/or observe work within a given industry and career field. Students gain a deeper understanding of careers through these experiences. Work-Based Learning is individualized and tailored to the needs and interests of each student in the program. Work-Based Learning encompasses both job shadows and internships.

Job shadowing experiences provide Tulpehocken High School students with the opportunity to explore a future career by spending either a partial or full school day at a job site following and observing a person in a career of interest. By visiting a workplace, investigating a career field and industry, and experiencing a typical day on the job, students can determine if the career fits their interests and career aspirations.

Internships provide in-depth experience in a career field. Students attend their placement on a regular basis, are graded, and receive elective credit for their experience. Students must apply for an internship, which is not guaranteed. The company ultimately decides if students are a good fit for their company and the work-based learning internship.

The company Work-Based Learning site assigns a mentor who is directly responsible for guiding the student throughout the Work-Based Learning internship experience. The mentor provides feedback on student’s performance. Clearances are required for mentors.

Students have a minimum number of hours they must work in a week to earn the necessary credit. This amount varies depending on the number of credits to be earned and is discussed with the company Work-Based Learning site. Students are evaluated on employability skills and receive credit for their experience.

Paid internships provide specialized experience in a given industry or career pathway and also include employability skills. These students are on the company’s payroll.

Unpaid experiences typically offer students the opportunity to rotate through a number of departments and job functions or to have a more intensive job shadow experience lasting a minimum of 60 hours. Unpaid experiences cannot displace a regular paid position.

For more information, contact Lydia Beck, K-12 Career Specialist at 610-488-6286 ext. 2028 or lbeck@tulpehocken.org.

• Exploration of a field of interest

• Exposure to careers and jobs

• Occupational knowledge

• Introductory technical skills (internships)