WE ARE HERE TO HELP BETTER PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THEIR PROFESSIONAL LIVES BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
The DuPage County Regional Office of Education (ROE) is excited to offer our students a work-based learning opportunity that will help develop the skills, knowledge, and experiences required by employers when entering the workforce.
By taking on an internship/youth apprenticeship experience, students gain an exciting and viable opportunity to explore post-secondary planning. A rapidly changing job market requiring employee candidates to demonstrate proficiency in a variety of both personal and technical skills can also help accelerate career readiness. Currently, we are offering pathway experiences in both manufacturing and information technology, with new industries being added as demand increases. Click here to learn more about specific industries and pathways offered.
Participating Students Benefit From:
- Earning high school credits and industry-recognized certifications, and credentials.
- Experiencing a variety of work-based learning opportunities (tours, job shadowing, internships, and paid pre-apprenticeships)
- Exploring college and career options and receiving valuable hands-on experience
- Developing valuable professional workplace skills and technical competencies while still in high school
- Building a resume that reflects relevant on-the-job training and pre-apprenticeship experiences.
HOW TO GET STARTED:
Talk with your school counselor or principal. They can help you learn more about how the program works and the process to enroll in the program.
Students beginning an apprenticeship pathway in high school can seamlessly continue into a registered apprenticeship with the College of DuPage. Apprenticeships lead to the development of valuable skills and employment with local businesses and give students a jump start on a well-paying career.
FAQs:
Why should a student get involved in work-based learning?
Work-based learning programs, including youth apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship, provide opportunities for high school students to experience, and gain skills in a real work environment. Simultaneously, they give businesses a chance to inspire and develop a new generation of talent.
What is work-based learning, including the pre-apprenticeship model?
Work-based learning represents a continuum of on-the-job, career exploration experiences. Depending on the grade level of the student, activities could include business tours, job shadowing, internships (a few days or weeks, up to a semester), and paid pre-apprenticeship employment. Students can earn high school credit for participating in apprenticeship and internship programs, and in some cases, they may be able to earn credit for future apprenticeship programs beyond high school.
How are students placed in businesses for pre-apprenticeship jobs?
Student candidates complete an interest survey that includes questions about their coursework, prior work experience, access to reliable transportation, and hours that they can work. In turn, GPS Education Partners works hand-in-hand with school districts to place students with employers that are in close proximity to the school. The student’s readiness and career goals will also play important roles in the placement process.
Who is responsible for transportation to the job site?
Students should have access to reliable transportation. If students do not have access to reliable transportation, school districts will explore a variety of options with students and their families so that the student can participate in the program. Every effort is made to minimize transportation issues as a barrier to participation.
Do students need to have prior work experience in order to be hired for a paid pre-apprenticeship job?
Students do not need to have prior work experience in a pre-apprenticeship career pathway in order to be a qualified candidate.
How do students get involved if they want to learn more about work-based learning using an apprenticeship model?
To learn more about the pre-apprenticeship program and other work-based learning opportunities, students should reach out to their school’s college and career counselor, their own counselor, or principal.
