Mr. Bob O'Dell
[email protected]
(810)664-1127 ext. 4160
 

Mr. O'Dell is available to assist students in arranging paid and/or unpaid work experiences with local businesses. This practical experience allows students to easily see the direct relationship between what is being taught in the classroom, and the skills or behaviors required to be successful in a particular industry.

Work Based Education
In addition to gaining hands-on training in classroom environments that simulate industry norms, many students have the opportunity to participate in one of our work-based education programs. Through partnerships with local businesses, work-based education utilizes industry to help educate and train students. This practical experience allows students to easily see the direct relationship between what is being taught in the classroom, and the skills or behaviors required to be successful in a particular industry. Work-based education opportunities include unpaid work experiences and paid work experiences (co-op).
 
 
Unpaid Work Experience
Unpaid work experiences provide students with the opportunity to spend classroom time at a business, learning and practicing occupational skills. Unpaid work experiences are short-term and typically range from one week to three weeks. With instructor approval, students who have successfully completed the first trimester of a two-year program may have the opportunity to participate in unpaid work experience, provided that the placement is related to the program in which they are currently enrolled. Students must also meet eligibility requirements that are based on skill set, attendance, grades, and work ethic/behavior.
 
 
Paid Work Experience/Co-op
Paid work experience allows students to build and expand on classroom skills by working in the occupation at a local business. Students spend up to four days each week at their work site and return to class a minimum of one day (Friday) each week for related instruction. Employer evaluations of student progress and performance contribute to the student’s grade in the program. The duration of a student’s co-op experience will typically extend throughout an entire trimester or school year. Paid work experience is only open to second year students who have successfully completed the first year of their program. Students who have earned an industry credential/certification significantly increase their likelihood of a paid placement. Students must also meet eligibility requirements that are based on skill set, attendance, grades, and work ethic/behavior.
 During a paid or unpaid experience, students will be expected to assume the responsibilities outlined in their training agreement. A training agreement is a contract that outlines the purpose of the experience and defines the responsibilities of everyone involved. This includes the student, parent/guardian, school, work based education coordinator, and the employer. In Michigan, the training agreement is a legal document that allows the student to be at a worksite during school hours.